Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance

Issue 24 - Minutes of Proceedings

OTTAWA, Wednesday, October 24, 2001
(29)

The Standing Senate Committee on National Finance met at 5:47 p.m., this day, in room 705, Victoria Building, the Chair, the Honourable Senator Murray, P.C., presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Bolduc, Christensen, Day, De Bané, P.C., Finnerty, Mahovlich, Murray, P.C. and Stratton (8).

In attendance: Mr. Guy Beaumier, Research Officer, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

WITNESSES:

As an individual:

Ken Boessenkool.

From the Government of Prince Edward Island:

Hon. Patricia Mella, Provincial Treasurer of Prince Edward Island;

John Palmer, Director of Economics, Statistics and Federal Fiscal Relations.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on June 12, 2001, the committee continued its examination of the effectiveness of and possible improvements to the present equalization policy in ensuring that provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public service at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.

Mr. Boessenkool made an opening statement and answered questions from members of the committee.

Ms Mella made an opening statement and, with Mr. Palmer, answered questions from members of the committee.

At 7:40 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair

ATTEST:

Tõnu Onu

Clerk of the Committee