Hey Steve, It’s Not Enough
1.5 billion dollars to Quebec…sounds like a bribe, but in fact it’s not.
Many of my detractors have always told me to look at the numbers so I took the time and actually did for this equalization deal. Here is why.
1 billion dollars of this 1.5 is old money set aside by the Martin government. This is Harper delivering on a commitment signed by the previous government.
The 800 million dollar net loss from the cancellation of the day care program, the 300 million dollar loss of the environment programs and the 250 million lost in revenue due to the GST cut means Stephen Harper has actually taken money away from Quebec since he took office. If you add the fact that 2/3 of it is old money, Harper is actually 850 million short.
If Charest calls THIS the deal he’s been waiting for, the PQ and the Bloc will have a point, as will Liberals who think Charest and Harper are in cahoots.
I will say this. Most of the money that Yves Seguin said was missing has already been returned through previous commitments of the Liberal government. Our unwillingness to admit the problem has only amplified the negative effect it had on our electoral results.
If Harper truly wants to fix this thing, he’s gonna have to commit new money, that is what was previously cut by the Liberals and the PCs in the 90s, adjusted to inflation. Quebec says no strings, I say let Quebec make strings with the rest of the provinces.
The federal government is more than just a cow. The PQ isn’t in power. Jean Charest should know better.
Many of my detractors have always told me to look at the numbers so I took the time and actually did for this equalization deal. Here is why.
1 billion dollars of this 1.5 is old money set aside by the Martin government. This is Harper delivering on a commitment signed by the previous government.
The 800 million dollar net loss from the cancellation of the day care program, the 300 million dollar loss of the environment programs and the 250 million lost in revenue due to the GST cut means Stephen Harper has actually taken money away from Quebec since he took office. If you add the fact that 2/3 of it is old money, Harper is actually 850 million short.
If Charest calls THIS the deal he’s been waiting for, the PQ and the Bloc will have a point, as will Liberals who think Charest and Harper are in cahoots.
I will say this. Most of the money that Yves Seguin said was missing has already been returned through previous commitments of the Liberal government. Our unwillingness to admit the problem has only amplified the negative effect it had on our electoral results.
If Harper truly wants to fix this thing, he’s gonna have to commit new money, that is what was previously cut by the Liberals and the PCs in the 90s, adjusted to inflation. Quebec says no strings, I say let Quebec make strings with the rest of the provinces.
The federal government is more than just a cow. The PQ isn’t in power. Jean Charest should know better.
par / by Anthony à / at 12:24 p.m.
4 Commentaires:
Its sad that our federation has devloved into "ask not what you can do for your country, ask how much your country can transfer to your province".
Kyle,
his country assassinated him
doesnt that seem relevant at all?
Whats the point of a federal government if the Premiers of the provinces get together to make such fundamental policy decisions? Are we a federation or a confederation?
Although its good to see that you finally acknowledge that Liberals have been increasing transfers for years now after the initial cuts which were necessary to reduce the deficit.
So you mean the upcoming budget will not be the end of the world for the Liberals? What a shock! :)
Post a Comment
<< Home