House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 48% of the vote.
Tobacco April 29th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health has set out a very extensive program in terms of education in order to convince young people not to smoke. That is, indeed, the proper course of action.
As far as the CPP is concerned, the government has made it very clear that there will not be government interference in the administration or, in fact, the investment. That is what all Canadians want to ensure happens.
Newbridge Networks Corporation April 29th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, Terry Matthews is a very constructive analyst and commentator on the problems and opportunities of his industry.
Indeed, as the member for Nepean has pointed out, his goals in terms of growth for his industry are similar to the governments. However, the proposal does raise certain questions. First, should we provide tax breaks for stock options for one segment of industry and not for another? Second, are tax breaks for stock options more important than personal income tax reductions?
I look forward to meeting with Mr. Matthews in the very near future in order to discuss these questions.
Taxation April 29th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that one of the ways of attaining winning conditions for the betterment of our economy and our society is most certainly to have a working economy, job creation, and lower taxes.
It is our intention to continue to reduce taxes, as we did in the last budget and in the previous one.
As for encouraging my counterpart, the PQ Minister of Finance, I will try, but he does not always listen to me.
Taxation April 29th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member must realize, I am not in a position to speak for the Government of Quebec.
As for the Government of Canada, I can tell him that not only have we reduced taxes, but in the example the hon. member has given, as a result of the last budget, a young family with two children and an income of $30,000 will have no federal tax to pay.
Taxation April 21st, 1999
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows very well, in our latest budget, we lowered taxes by $16.5 billion over 36 months, we will eliminate the 3% tax introduced by the Conservative government and we have provided for many exemptions.
That said, the member's question is very relevant. This is why we must lower taxes, and I hope all the provinces will follow the federal government's lead, our lead.
Taxation April 21st, 1999
Mr. Speaker, it is not my practice to comment on provincial policies.
However, I have to say 25 of the 39 measures identified by Mr. Chartrand and Mr. Laferrière were introduced by the Parti Quebecois. The number of measures introduced by that government and the lack of co-ordination among them contributes significantly to making Quebec the province with the highest marginal rates in Canada.
Canada Pension Plan April 20th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the member for Kitchener Centre has had a long interest in the safety and security of the Canada pension plan and will be pleased to learn that the review panel fully supports Mr. Hafeman's conclusions.
While differing on some details, the panel shares the view that Mr. Hafeman's report was prepared according to the best professional standards and concluded, most importantly, that the Canada pension plan was indeed sustainable for the long term.
On behalf of all Canadians we would like to thank Mr. Hafeman and the review panel.
Taxation April 20th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, why do we not simply look at the facts.
Fact, $16.5 billion of tax cuts over the next 36 months. Fact, the child tax benefit, $1.8 billion going to help low and modest income families. Fact, the most generous research and development grants in the country. Fact, technology partnerships that are going to help a number of our major industries. Fact, the lowest corporate rate for small business of any of the major industrialized countries.
Those are the facts. That is what this government has done.
Taxation April 20th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the Reform Party sets up straw men. The fact is nobody thinks high taxes help the bottom line. That is why, as the Minister of National Revenue said—
Taxation April 20th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, what the BCNI said was that taxes should be brought down over a period of time in a way that would not threaten to put the country back into deficit. At the same time it said that there should be investments in research and development, education and all of those things that would give us a productive society. In short, the BCNI has essentially said that the slash and burn policies of the Reform Party are not going to build a productive society.