Discussion · Oral Questions
Yves-François Blanchet Bloc Québécois
“The Prime Minister canceled a fee on American web companies and is using public money instead. This costs taxpayers money and hurts Quebec culture and the French language. Will he reverse this decision?”
“Mr. Speaker, he is forgoing $3.4 billion a year that would come from the United States, and taking $600 million out of taxpayers’ pockets. By asking the CRTC to cancel the 15% levy, the Prime Minister is doing something even worse than merely capitulating. He is validating the Americans’ claim that Quebec culture and the French language are barriers to trade. By replacing the levy with public funds, he is validating the Conservatives’ criticism by making taxpayers pay for the web giants’ share. That is their reasoning. The Prime Minister is sending the message that he is weak. Will he reverse this cowardly decision?”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, he is forgoing $3.4 billion a year that would come from the United States, and taking $600 million out of taxpayers’ pockets. By asking the CRTC to cancel the 15% levy, the Prime Minister is doing something even worse than merely capitulating. He is validating the Americans’ claim that Quebec culture and the French language are barriers to trade. By replacing the levy with public funds, he is validating the Conservatives’ criticism by making taxpayers pay for the web giants’ share. That is their reasoning. The Prime Minister is sending the message that he is weak. Will he reverse this cowardly decision?