Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2  Mr. Speaker, it is great to be here this afternoon with other passionate speakers we have heard from today on Bill C-63. I would like to present my humble view on Bill C-63, the budget implementation act, 2017, no. 2, which is the second and final piece of legislation to implement budget 2017.

Budget  Mr. Speaker, last week, our government tabled Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2. Budget 2017 is the next step in our government's ambitious plan to make smart investments that will create jobs, grow our economy, and provide more opportunities for the middle class in my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge and across Canada.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I have two brief points. First, retirement security and retiring in a dignified way for millions of Canadians is important to us. That is why we enhanced the CPP and boosted the GIS. If there are other avenues we could take, we will obviously look at them. We need to make sure we strengthen our retirement system.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, the Finance Minister continues to work closely with the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner to ensure that all rules are followed, as is expected of him and all members of Parliament.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, the Finance Minister's ethics are beyond refute. We as members always must uphold the highest standards as publicly elected officials. Knowing the Finance Minister, I know that has been done.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, the Finance Minister has announced that he established a blind trust for all assets held by him and his family. The minister is working closely with the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner and a trustee to divest all of his family's holdings in Morneau Shepell in an orderly fashion and as soon as practical.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, these changes are not only going to be good for small business, but they are going to be great for small business. They will help grow our economy and help create good middle-class jobs. The opposition knows it and we know it.

Business of Supply  Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do like the word tangent. I also like the fact that the finance minister has announced a number of additional steps, including establishing a blind trust for all assets held by him and his family. He is going above and beyond what is required and above and beyond what we want but he is doing the right thing and I applaud him for that.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time this afternoon with my friend and colleague who I sit with on the Standing Committee on Finance, the member for Hull—Aylmer. Before I begin my formal remarks, I want to discuss the concept of pensions in Canada. I had the pleasure of working in downtown Toronto for a number of years.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, we know that the finance minister has announced a number of steps to address his ownership of shares and so forth. In my riding of Vaughan—Woodbridge, I know that constituents are talking about our cut in the small-business tax rate from 10.5% to nine per cent and what we have done for the middle class through the CCB and our infrastructure program.

Greenpark Group  Mr. Speaker, we all know that home is where the heart is. Today, I recognize a Canadian success story and an incredible organization, the Greenpark Group, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In 1958, at the age of 19, Carlo Baldassarra immigrated to Canada from Italy full of ambition.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call the member for the beautiful riding of Brantford—Brant my friend and a colleague in the House. We did serve on the finance committee. We serve our residents as well. When we call into question someone's integrity, we know that individually we all have personal responsibility, and I believe in that.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, with regard to the Minister of Finance, the member for Toronto Centre, we have full confidence in the Ethics Commissioner and her recommendations. Obviously, every member of Parliament is willing to take any further steps to avoid conflicts, or any perception of conflicts, as deemed appropriate by the Ethics Commissioner.

Business of Supply  Mr. Speaker, I am sure that any suggestions the hon. member has about strengthening any rules should be brought forward to the pertinent individuals to whom that pertains. I would hope the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands does so. My personal view is that we continue to work hard for all Canadians.

Business of Supply  Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your explanation. I thank my hon. colleague across the aisle for his intervention as well. I have known the member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, the Minister of Finance, for a few years now. When I think about the integrity and hard work that goes into our careers as politicians and as members of a community, I look to, and I am glad to say that I am friends with and on the same team as, the Minister of Finance.