Paul Martin

[Equalization Payments, February 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has raised a number of very important questions.

We have decided to ask the provinces to meet with us as to whether methodological changes when brought in should be brought in either in the middle or only at the end of the term. Statistics Canada has also said that important methodological changes will not be introduced unless there has been a full consultation with all of the provinces concerned.

Under these particular circumstances it would appear that a full consultation was not held. Under those circumstances, we have decided to spread this out--

[Taxation, February 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, at the end of 2001, labour-sponsored venture capital corporations had close to $8.4 billion in assets.

The cost of the credit for the government is estimated at $260 million for the year 2000 alone. That would be approximately 40% for Quebec's Fonds de solidarité.

I thank the member for Portneuf for his question, as it demonstrates the extent to which the Government of Canada is a partner in job creation in Quebec.

[Taxation, February 27th, 2002]

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we have, obviously as the hon. member knows, led on this file with the financial action task force and with IOSCO which is the international grouping of securities regulators. We have also had discussions with provincial authorities and we intend to continue them to exactly that end.

[Airline Industry, February 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, here in Canada—and in the United States as well—security taxes were imposed, which was very important in light of the events of September 11.

Now that the economy is starting to return to normal and air travel is starting to bounce back, we certainly intend to review the system again in the fall.

[Airline Industry, February 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, following the terrible events of September 11, there was a drop in air travel, and it was very important that the government act as quickly as possible to restore confidence, which we did.

It is our intention to study the effects, and certainly this fall, we will see if the entire system needs to be reviewed.

[Airline Industry, February 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, what the government sought to do and was asked to do was to make sure that confidence could be re-established following the terrible events on September 11.

The government has stated that in the fall there will be a complete review of the charge to see how low factors have been affected and to see exactly how much money is coming in versus the expenses going out. We have made that undertaking to members of the finance committee. We have made it in extensive discussions with members of our caucus and with the Minister of Transport, and we intend to carry through on that.

[Airline Industry, February 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, as I explained yesterday, the government brought the air security charge in reflecting the costs that were to be incurred. At the same time, in discussions with the Department of Transport, a number of airports in areas where those security charges or the services would not be required were exempt.

The fact is that there will be a revision of these charges when we see how low factors are which obviously will give us an opportunity to examine the whole situation.

[Equalization Payments, February 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, there are two kinds of changes, changes to methodology and changes in the order of things.

For example, this time the economic downturn in Canada has meant a drop in equalization payments for Quebec.

In the same vein, in 1999 Quebec received an unexpected cheque for $1.3 billion from the Canadian government.

[Equalization Payments, February 27th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, there has been no unilateral change. This change was made by Statistics Canada.

I have made an offer to the provinces, one accepted by Minister Marois, for their public servants to meet with Statistics Canada staff to discuss this. At the same time, we offered to spread the payments out over five years, if this discussion does lead to payments.

[Taxation, February 26th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, obviously every major company, and certainly including the banks, are audited by CCRA.

The fact is that we want to see Canadian institutions operating in Canada, earning profits in Canada, but also operating abroad. The fact is that they do. Those statements are all published.