Discussion · Government Orders
Andréanne Larouche Bloc Québécois
“The argument about higher costs is false. Giving in to big internet companies will not stop them from raising prices. In Europe, countries stood up to them, and prices for taxpayers did not go up.”
“Mr. Speaker, with all due respect, I wonder whether my colleague even listened to my speech. I think we have shown that, although the government gave in to the web giants, there is no guarantee that they will not increase their rates or that taxpayers will not ultimately pay twice. They will pay for the increase, but mostly for something the government will have to fund. It is therefore a false argument. I clearly explained the affordability issue, but I want people to remember Europe’s example. These countries stood their ground and it did not lead to higher rates or higher costs for taxpayers.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, with all due respect, I wonder whether my colleague even listened to my speech. I think we have shown that, although the government gave in to the web giants, there is no guarantee that they will not increase their rates or that taxpayers will not ultimately pay twice. They will pay for the increase, but mostly for something the government will have to fund. It is therefore a false argument. I clearly explained the affordability issue, but I want people to remember Europe’s example. These countries stood their ground and it did not lead to higher rates or higher costs for taxpayers.