House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 48% of the vote.
Taxation April 3rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for giving me advance notice of the question.
It is my understanding that there is a differential between the odd woodlot owner and a woodlot owner who has a business plan and is actually in the business. Owners under the second category are considered to be in the business of operating the woodlot and would be able to claim silviculture expenses.
Employment Insurance April 2nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, again, the hon. member must be aware of the fact that our employment insurance premiums are lower than any similar premium in the United States and most European countries.
At the same time, the hon. member should know that, when we took office, premiums were scheduled to rise to $3.30 under the previous government. We reduced them to $2.70, the single largest drop ever in such a time frame.
Employment Insurance April 2nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, according to all economic analyses, the main thing is not to raise employment insurance premiums. We saw what happened during the 1989-1992 recession.
When premiums are maintained at a stable level, businesses are free to hire people and they do.
What counts most is the reduction in interest rates, as that is what creates jobs. This requires healthy public finances, which unfortunately precludes reducing premiums any further.
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board April 1st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the Senate has produced a very good report. It is largely supportive of the government's position.
Are there differences of opinion? Yes, there are. While there is not unanimity I can assure the hon. member that the report will be taken very seriously. I will be referring it to my provincial colleagues and I will be reporting back to this House.
Budget Of Quebec Finance Minister April 1st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, since we took office, the value of tax points, for Quebec alone, increased by $2.1 billion, while equalization payments went up by $1 billion.
Lower interest rates in Quebec have also resulted in a windfall of more than $1.4 billion over the past three years.
Budget Of Quebec Finance Minister April 1st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member must know that the federal government achieved, with the help of Canadians from across the country, an incredible fiscal turnaround.
However, we still have a debt of $583 billion. We have a debt-GDP ratio of 70%, compared to the provincial average of 30%. We spend 30 cents of every dollar in interest, compared to the provincial average of 14 cents.
That being said, I am very pleased—
Banking March 31st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I simply point out that there were no ombudsmen in individual banks until this government took office. There was no national ombudsman until this government took office. The industry committee which has been very active in monitoring bank activities did not play that role until this government took office. We do not have to take a back seat to anybody in terms of our control of what the banks are doing.
Banking March 31st, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I would suggest to the hon. member that he might want to lend him his copy.
The issue of tied selling, as the hon. member knows, has been referred to the House of Commons finance committee. It held hearings yesterday and it is holding hearings today. We look forward to its report.
Mergers March 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, speaking for the Minister of Industry who has the responsibility for the competition bureau, as the member knows, the competition bureau has reviewed all of its procedures. I can let the member know that our procedures in this area are as tough and as enlightened as any other country's procedures.
Financial Institutions March 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the issue of tied selling has been referred to the committee. The committee is currently taking a look at it and the government eagerly anticipates its findings.