Ted Menzies

[Taxation, April 15th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, the answer is a definite no, just so they know.

We have actually reduced tariffs. We have eliminated 1,900 tariffs. Who helped us do that? It was not the opposition, which votes against it every time.

Over half a billion dollars is what the opposition voted against in reduced tariffs to Canadians. Those lower costs get passed on to consumers. I would like the NDP members to go back and explain to their constituents why they want to raise taxes and why they vote against it when we want to lower taxes.

[Taxation, April 15th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians understand that since we formed government in 2006, we began on a low-tax plan, and we continue on that. We have reduced 150 different taxes to Canadians—for businesses, for individual taxes. The average family of four in Canada actually gets to keep $3,200 more of their own hard-earned money. We think Canadians agree with that.

[Taxation, April 15th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, that statement is absolutely false. The iPods that have been coming into Canada have been coming in for many years tax-free. I am not sure where the NDP dreamed this up. Our government will ensure that they continue to come into Canada tariff-free.

We need to remind Canadians that we are talking about taxes. I actually had to watch some paint dry yesterday, so I did not get to watch the NDP convention. I understand that there are all kinds of new ways to raise taxes on Canadians.

[The Budget, March 28th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, economic action plan 2013 is about jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. I am not sure how many times we have to repeat this for the opposition members to actually understand that. They seem to vote against every initiative that is put forward, whether it is helping the knowledge infrastructure, which was referenced in the previous question, that helps rebuild universities, the infrastructure that is needed, the infrastructure in all of our communities. This will impact every Canadian through improved infrastructure, the strongest and largest infrastructure program in Canadian history.

[Taxation, March 28th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, speaking of numbers, I remember when the NDP members came forward with their suggestions for the budget that had no numbers in it. Our budget has numbers and those numbers are what Canadians wanted to see.

We have business associations across the country that are supportive of the measures we have put in this budget. We have individual groups across the country that have had their tax burden reduced. They are onside with what we are implementing in this budget. It is about time the NDP stops trashing Canada and support it.

[Taxation, March 28th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, a low-tax plan involves tax fairness, ensuring that everyone pays their fair share. A number of tax loopholes and aggressive tax planning are addressed in this budget.

I know the only plan of the NDP is to increase taxes and increase costs on Canadians. We will continue on a low tax plan, continue to help Canadians, help them get back to work and help them to enjoy a good life in this strong country that the NDP keeps trashing.

[Taxation, March 28th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, our economic action plan 2013 continues on our plan of jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. It also continues on our plan of low taxes for Canadians. Through our low tax plan in consecutive budgets, we have reduced the tax burden on an ordinary family of four by over $3,000. We have reduced 150 different taxes that help individuals and help businesses, which employ individuals.

I would encourage the hon. members to think about that when they are considering—

[Taxation, March 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, the reality is that the opposition actually has the opportunity this evening to support the budget and support the accelerated capital cost allowance for small businesses. Why did we put that in the budget? It is because businesses asked for it. Businesses want to expand and grow their opportunities in this country.

There is a lot in this budget that Canadians asked for. We have never had a budget with so much broad support across the country. The only people who seem to be opposed to this budget are those sitting opposite.

[Taxation, March 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, we are happy to tell Canadians the truth.

The fact is, we have reduced 150 different taxes for Canadians. The average Canadian family of four is paying $3,200 less every year.

I will quote the OECD from today that says:

Canada has, over the last five or six years, already decreased the tax burden on low incomes a lot, especially for families with children.

[Taxation, March 27th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, speaking of credit unions, I would remind the members of the official opposition that in budget 2010 they actually voted against both of those budget implementation acts. We actually approved what the credit unions had asked us for. As credit unions are growing, and we continue to support credit unions, they actually wanted to be federally regulated. We put that in the budget.

We support credit unions, unlike the opposition.