House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2019, with 34% of the vote.
Natural Resources October 29th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, first of all, the remark by the communications officer that the hon. gentleman referred to has already been apologized for as was appropriate. Second, in terms of the work that we are undertaking, we are all very anxious to get a solution to this issue because it is not only important to Newfoundland and Labrador and to Nova Scotia but it is exceedingly important to the country.
Natural Resources October 29th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister reported earlier this week, there have been conversations between himself and both of those premiers. I have had the opportunity to speak to the minister from Nova Scotia.
The discussion is continuing. It is a very constructive effort aimed at getting a solution that will work very well for Nova Scotia and very well for Newfoundland and Labrador in the best interests of the country. We continue on a very good faith basis.
Sponsorship Program October 29th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, of course the Government of Canada will always have a vigorous strategy to promote Canadian unity and the well-being of all Canadians. Was there a strategy to violate rules? Emphatically no.
Taxation October 28th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, we have indeed sweetened the offer to all of the provinces across the country.
We are taking equalization from $8.9 billion this year to $12.5 billion in five years. That is a 42% increase. When we combine the effects of the health deal and the equalization deal for Quebec this year, that is $979 million more, and next year, $1.8 billion more.
Quebec and all provinces are being treated very fairly under this new arrangement.
Taxation October 28th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I can assure the finance minister in Quebec that both the Prime Minister and I, and I think every other premier around that table, spoke very constructively about the important role played by Quebec and are very supportive of the objectives that Quebec has been pursuing under the distinguished leadership of Premier Charest.
Equalization Payments October 28th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the amendment to the Speech from the Throne referred to what some called a fiscal imbalance. I would point out that there are important fiscal pressures that we are occupied with on this side of the House, fiscal pressures that affect us, fiscal pressures that affect the provinces.
We are acting on all of those fronts, including in the last five weeks a commitment by the Government of Canada to $74 billion in new funding for the provinces for health and equalization to help them meet their responsibilities.
Equalization Payments October 28th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, what the hon. member is quoting is her own selective interpretation. What I said is that what will flow to Newfoundland in stream number one is 100% of its own source revenues; on top of that, equalization; on top of that, the 30% matching funds under the accord; on top of that, the additional offer that the Government of Canada has made to match the fiscal capacity of Ontario.
Equalization Payments October 28th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the hon. gentleman is right. This is a major innovation in equalization. It will, at the request of the premiers, bring greater clarity, certainty and predictability into the calculation of equalization amounts from year to year. It will contribute to significant growth in the value of equalization. Indeed, between now and five years from now, it will grow by a full 42% over that period of time, and there will be a substantial transfer of provincial risk to the Government of Canada to assist the provinces.
Natural Resources October 28th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, let us be very clear. No one has extended an insult to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Unfortunate remarks were made and those remarks have been apologized for.
On the substance of the issue, like the hon. gentleman and members on this side who represent constituencies in Newfoundland and Labrador, we all want a solution. We want to get one honourably and fairly and one that works well for Newfoundland. We will continue to work constructively in that direction.
Natural Resources October 28th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has already noted that the comments referred to by the hon. gentleman are unfortunate and have been apologized for, as is the appropriate thing to do.
With respect to the ongoing work on the offshore issue, I want to assure the hon. gentleman that the Government of Canada takes that issue extremely seriously and, just like Premier Williams, we want to find a solution that works well for Newfoundland.