Income Tax Act
Bill to Amend--First Report of National Finance Committee on Subject Matter Adopted
November 19, 2020
Thank you for your indulgence. Before I conclude my speech, I would be remiss if I did not ask Ms. Fortin, the clerk of the committee, to pass on my thanks to all the dedicated staff whose work enables senators to do their work as parliamentarians here in the Senate. We have witnessed your tireless dedication on weekdays and weekends alike. My sincere thanks for your work.
Honourable senators, our pre-study report of Bill C-9 is asking the government to be mindful as we have highlighted many areas where the Canadian government can strengthen support for Canada’s beleaguered businesses. Honourable senators, please bear with me. No doubt our thorough and careful analysis can be best captured by quoting three members of the National Finance Committee. I could quote them all, but I’ll just quote three.
Senator Forest, for example, was quoted in the National Finance Committee’s recent press release entitled “Pandemic relief for businesses: Senate committee urges more equitable, accessible and predictable support.” Senator Forest said the following:
It is important to me that businesses benefitting from these programs not be allowed to pass on dividends and bonuses to shareholders. Taxpayer dollars should not be used to enrich shareholders.
Honourable senators, as I was listening to the eloquent speech and comments made by Senator Klyne, I would like to quote him, again, from a press release titled Pandemic relief for businesses: Senate committee urges more equitable, accessible and predictable support, where he says, related to the committee, that:
This study shows the value of Senate committee work. While we understand the need to act swiftly, it is crucial to take the time to listen to Canadians so that Parliament can provide the help they need.
And that includes Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
I would also like to highlight the comments of Senator Richards in our Pandemic relief for businesses: Senate committee urges more equitable, accessible and predictable support press release. He said:
Businesses need our help. By supporting them — and listening to them — we are helping more Canadians keep their livelihoods during this time of uncertainty and fear.
Honourable senators, I believe that Canada will be stronger when all its regions are strong and also engaged from coast to coast to coast. In Bill C-9, I want to recognize Senator Duncan, the sponsor of the bill, and also the critic of the bill, Senator Smith, who have worked diligently and efficiently with all stakeholders to help Canadians understand the impact of Bill C-9 on all Canadians.
Honourable senators, our committee members must always be conscious of the importance of the transparency, accountability, predictability and reliability of government programs.
Let us move now to continue to help Canadian businesses. Thank you.
Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to and report adopted.)