Madam Speaker, there are a number of elements. I've been asked to lower taxes and I've said no to that. The second thing is, I've said I'd like to put the price of tobacco back to where it was prior to the Quebec and federal government arrangement. I'm firm on that, going back to where the price was. I said that I would like to talk about, think about and look at the implications of moving into the federal tax room. The reason I'm not prepared to commit to that right now is because I would like to see what the effect might be upon us. I would like to see what the other provinces are going to say about that. Mostly, I want to see what Mr. Martin says about it because he may be a little annoyed if I move into his tax room. I am committed to putting the price of cigarettes back to their old price and I'll commit to that, but I don't think I've ever said categorically that I'm going to move into the federal tax room.
John Pollard on Question 291-12(5): Western Solidarity On Tobacco Tax Issue
In the Legislative Assembly on March 15th, 1994. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 291-12(5): Western Solidarity On Tobacco Tax Issue
Question 291-12(5): Western Solidarity On Tobacco Tax Issue
Item 5: Oral Questions
March 14th, 1994
Page 596
John Pollard Hay River
See context to find out what was said next.