Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The short answer is yes, we have and, yes, we are supportive. I think we've had some discussion around this with committee. I believe the Member would be aware that I've written Finance Minister Goodale and essentially expressed our sentiment that this, indeed, as the Member has put it, this tax should be axed. It has been around since 1918 and is the last luxury excise tax on the books. We don't think it makes sense. The entire industry doesn't think it makes sense. It has been one of the tenants of the National Diamond Strategy. The Retailers Jewellery Working Group did a survey of all their members who overwhelmingly supported the notion of doing away with this tax. So we continue to further that position and do intend on making a presentation to the Standing Committee on Finance, the federal committee reviewing this bill. They have not yet set the meeting date, but, when they do, we will make sure we are there to make a presentation. Thank you.
Brendan Bell on Question 387-15(3): Support For Jewellery Excise Tax Removal
In the Legislative Assembly on February 15th, 2005. See this statement in context.
Return To Question 387-15(3): Support For Jewellery Excise Tax Removal
Question 387-15(3): Support For Jewellery Excise Tax Removal
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 14th, 2005
Page 1236
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