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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 128

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 16, 2022 02:00PM
Context: House Hansard - 128 - Nov/16/22
Ms. Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné (Terrebonne, BQ)
  • Nov/16/22 4:38:24 p.m.
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  • Re: Bill C-32 
Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate my hon. colleague on his speech. I agree with him. He is very eloquent. I would like to hear his thoughts on the fact that the economic statement is yet another example of centralization. I think he mentioned the importance of small and medium-sized businesses for the economy and the entrepreneurial base. The Bloc Québécois also talks about this a lot. Quebec is home to many of these businesses. I think that centralizing all resources in Ottawa is detrimental to both the public and private sectors, and especially to our SMEs across Canada and in Quebec. The federal government's tendency to centralize is problematic, and I would like my colleague to comment on that.
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Context: House Hansard - 128 - Nov/16/22
Hon. Jim Carr
  • Nov/16/22 4:38:57 p.m.
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  • Re: Bill C-32 
Mr. Speaker, that is a fulcrum that changes over time. To centralize or decentralize is a function of circumstance and I do not think that we should be rigid or ideological about which way we choose, because circumstances change all the time and we have to be nimble enough to know where we want to be and how to get there with some fundamental values at the centre of what drives policy. I mentioned those in my short remarks about wealth creation and wealth distribution. We have to respect jurisdiction; otherwise, nothing is going to get done. I understand where the question is coming from, but I also believe that, rather than giving an answer that could be framed as ideological or framed always within the context of decentralizing or centralizing, it is better that we be nimble and responsive to the particular circumstances of the moment.
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