Mr. Speaker, as my honourable colleague knows, I am in discussions with Mr. Martin, the Finance Minister, with respect to the tax window. I just remind everybody there was a 20 percent tax window the previous Finance Minister managed to get into our last formula which we signed off. I am optimistic that we can reach an arrangement with the federal government that allows us to increase this tax window to bring new revenues into the territory. I have said on a number of occasions that these tax revenues are incremental revenues that were not expected. In fact, the net cost to the Canadian taxpayer will be nil. I am hopeful that we can make a sound, both political and economic argument, for the federal government to improve that tax window. However, should that not occur, then like any other good government across the country, we have both the responsibility and authority to introduce taxes and that is an option of course, that we would look at in the coming year.
John Todd on Question 288-13(5): Revenues From Diamond Production
In the Legislative Assembly on February 11th, 1998. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 288-13(5): Revenues From Diamond Production
Question 288-13(5): Revenues From Diamond Production
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 10th, 1998
Page 716
John Todd Keewatin Central
See context to find out what was said next.