Senator Dupuis: As always, yes.

[English]

Senator Dupuis: Thank you for your answer, Senator Marshall. I understand very well the idea of creating a fairly large group with broad representation to review the entire system. You mentioned a government initiative. Do you believe that the Senate, in one way or another, would have a role to play? For example, could the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance perhaps undertake this kind of reflection?

[English]

Hon. Renée Dupuis: Would Senator Marshall take a question?

[English]

Senator Dupuis: Thank you. I always listen closely when you speak, and for good reason. Often, we pay more attention to the end of a speech, particularly if it is long. What struck me about the end of your speech is that you invited us to work on the tax reform. You said that the current system dates back to 1967, so there have been successive governments in office since that time.

In your opinion, what should the priority be for this comprehensive tax reform?

[English]

Hon. Renée Dupuis: Would Senator Plett take another question?

Senator Dupuis: Senator Plett, I’m curious as to your understanding of this bill. If I understand correctly, the bill gives a federal minister the task of developing, with the help of other federal ministers, a framework to, and I quote subclause 3(1):

coordinate local cooperation and engagement in the implementation of federal programs across various sectors, with the objective of building a green economy in the Prairie provinces.

Is it your understanding that the bill only targets coordination and cooperation in implementing federal programs? We’re not talking about getting the approval of the provinces but about a task given to a federal minister in cooperation with other federal ministers to develop a framework to “coordinate local cooperation and engagement in the implementation of federal programs.” Is that your understanding of Bill C-235?

[English]