QUESTION PERIOD — Finance

Senator Gold, restaurants and drinking establishments are key sale points for the spirits, wine and beer producers across Canada. Last year, the government saw the logic in reducing the escalator excise tax from 6.7% to 2%. This year, that tax is scheduled to be 4.7%. This increase not only adds increased costs to producers, but also to restaurants, which are already dealing with inflationary pressures tied to all other cost drivers. As we all know, restaurant viability is traditionally risky, and any increase in cost could be the difference between them staying in business or being put out of business. Senator Gold, do you not agree that the cap of 2% — last year — should be maintained this year, and could you raise this matter with the Minister of Finance?