Tobacco Products  One assumption is that this is a problem related only to cigarettes and tobacco products. It is clear, as we heard from the alcohol manufacturers, that they are gearing up their campaign for similar treatment. It seems to me this is a very slippery slope, reducing the tax on cigarettes, the government has embarked upon without a full framework of all the ramifications on other products as well.

Grain Export Protection Act  The parties may not be happy about the results that will be imposed on them but it does provide for a solution. Some very clear weaknesses to the arbitration process should not be overlooked. First, it is not inconceivable that one party or the other could reject an arbitrator's award. It might possibly resort to strike or lockout action to vent frustration or to express rejection of the result of the process.

Borrowing Authority Act, 1995-96  Speaker, the member opposite has been strongly speaking out against what he calls special interest groups. I am not clear whether the member has been equally as strong in including in special interest groups the Business Council on National Issues, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Manufacturers Association.

Borrowing Authority Act, 1995-96  There are simple tests of good government: conscientious control of the public purse; a strong clear vision of and commitment to the public interest that reaches far into the future; attention to regional fairness; and equitable reductions in government spending. I am disappointed that the government has failed these tests.

Borrowing Authority Act, 1995-96  Mr. Speaker, as I have on numerous occasions in this place, let me make very clear to my friend across the way that I do not come from central Canada. I come from western Canada. I happen to be the member of Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River, which is in a vast riding in northern Ontario.

Borrowing Authority Act, 1995-96  If we are to change our system we have to make sure it is a change for the better and not for the worse. This budget makes it clear that this party is responsible for universal social programs in Canada. It will be this party that brings social policy into the 21st century. Of course the only way we will do that is to ensure we can afford it and this budget does just that.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police  Mr. Speaker, I will not comment on the operations of the RCMP. I think it is clear there will be an investigation, and the Solicitor General will be able to respond to the opposition member's question in due time.

The Budget  We are not influenced by that, since they are not even able to agree on a question. If they want to win the referendum, all they have to do is ask the very short, very clear question that I am suggesting. If they want a guaranteed "yes", they only have to ask the following question: Do you want to stay in Canada? And Quebecers will say yes.

Indian Affairs  Mr. Speaker, let us be clear about this. Mismanagement is the problem, not money. Both the Auditor General and the Indian affairs department's own internal audits have reported a plague of serious financial mismanagement both at the departmental level and at the band level.

Health Care  Fears by the New Democratic Party of pending doom in the upcoming provincial elections should not encourage them to distort the honest truth about this government's commitment to health care in Canada. The Minister of Finance has made it clear in his budget that "the conditions of the Canada Health Act will be maintained. Universality, comprehensiveness, accessibility, portability and public administration of the Canada Health Act are fundamental for this government".

Borrowing Authority Act, 1995-96  There will not be another budget after the referendum. The message sent to the provinces is very clear. Many changes will occur, but we did inform provincial finance ministers, including the Quebec finance minister, of our strategy. We have an agreement with the provinces to postpone changes until next year- -to provide an opportunity for governments across this country to change and to adjust.

Borrowing Authority Act, 1995-96  From 1988 to 1995, corporations were taxed at a rate of 28 per cent and small businesses at 12 per cent. It is very clear that the trend has been reversed and that from now on individuals and not corporations will pay more tax to the government. The latest profits make the following corporations members of the billionaires' club: the Royal Bank, with $1.2 billion, Bell Canada, with almost the same amount-$1.178 billion, and General Motors of Canada, with $1.3 billion.

Borrowing Authority Act, 1995-96  I start by paying tribute to my colleague and friend, the Minister of Finance, whose budget is cradled in that wellspring of traditional Canadian thought and liberalism, compassion and integrity. His statement reflects both those important values and principles. It is a clear example of the difference between management and leadership. A manager only imitates, while a leader initiates. Everyone in this country has a part to play in this economic plan, in this blueprint.

House Of Commons Standing Orders  However the minister refused to say where she stood on this issue. I would say also it is clear that the direct health cost results of lowering the tax will place a further burden on the provinces. Today there is a news release from the British Columbia health minister which states tobacco related illness is estimated to cost British Columbia nearly $1 billion annually.

House Of Commons Standing Orders  At that time the standing committees were realigned to match the new structure of the government to make it absolutely clear which committee would deal with which of the departments and agencies. One important feature of the reforms adopted last week was the confirmation that the standing committees and not the legislative committees would be the usual and customary route for the consideration of the committee stage of bills.