House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 64% of the vote.
Sales Tax Harmonization February 8th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, we are in talks with the Province of Quebec to harmonize these taxes. We always listen to good ideas. As the Bloc leader just mentioned, there are still differences in our positions, but we have been negotiating for a long time and are making important progress. I am optimistic that we can reach an agreement.
Sales Tax Harmonization February 8th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, this government is in favour of harmonizing provincial sales taxes with the federal tax. The leader of the Bloc himself has indicated that Quebec's sales tax is completely different in many ways from the federal tax. However, we have made progress in the negotiations, which are continuing.
Canada-U.S. Relations February 8th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, of course we will maintain those things. That is Canada's sovereign right.
The reality is this, but maybe the Leader of the Opposition missed it. The anti-free trade bandwagon left the stage a long time ago.
Canadians expect us nowadays to work to ensure we keep an integrated economic space where we have access to the American market, where we protect Canadian jobs and also where we deal with the security threats that both of our countries face. We obviously have different laws and traditions, and those will be respected, but we have shared interests and that is what we are pursuing.
Canada-U.S. Relations February 8th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, Canadians expect us to work to make North America more secure and to improve trade between our two countries. Obviously we plan on complying with all Canadian laws.
Canada-U.S. Relations February 8th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, of course no such thing is being contemplated.
As President Obama and I have both stated, what we are working on will respect our respective laws while at the same time ensuring that we take action where necessary to reduce red tape, create jobs and create security in the interests of Canadians. That will sometimes mean pushing things away from the border, but obviously everything we do will be within Canadian law and practice.
Pensions February 2nd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, changes to the CPP require the consent of the provinces. It cannot be done by the federal government unilaterally.
While the Canada pension plan is an important part of our retirement income system, so are a range of private and individual savings options. There are many financial planners in many financial firms in this country who do an excellent job of providing services for their clients in planning for their retirement.
Pensions February 2nd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated earlier, the government has adopted several measures to improve the pension system in this country.
The Minister of Finance and his provincial counterparts recently announced the development of the registered pooled pension plan in terms of improvements to the CPP.
That is an ongoing subject of discussion with the provinces. The provinces do have to approve. Many do not approve and at this time, at least in our view and certainly in the view of most, this is not the time for increases in CPP premiums.
Pensions February 2nd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance and his colleagues, his provincial counterparts, are discussing ways to improve the Canada pension plan. However, we must reach an agreement with the provinces and at this time, Canadians do not want us to increase premiums and taxes to improve pensions. We are currently examining this option for improving our pension system, as we have already done through many other measures.
Harmonization of Sales Taxes February 2nd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, we favour sales tax harmonization, but that decision is up to the provinces. Quebec has the option to sign an agreement like the ones signed by Ontario, British Columbia and the Maritimes. Until now, Quebec has not decided to do so, but we will continue negotiating in good faith to harmonize sales taxes, while respecting our agreements with the other provinces.
Harmonization of Sales Taxes February 2nd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Bloc said that there were differences between the federal sales tax and Quebec's sales tax, and the reason is that the taxes are not harmonized. That is what we are in the process of negotiating with the Government of Quebec and these negotiations will be held in good faith.