I understand what you are telling me. I know that the provinces are also aware of the high costs of health, which are growing far faster than GDP in general. The fact nevertheless remains that, even though the provinces acknowledged the need to cut their spending, they did not think to make such deep cuts to their budgets. We are talking about quite significant structural changes for them to be able to reduce their health spending. Their reaction in setting a ceiling came after the federal government's decision to limit transfer increases to 6%, and to 3% thereafter. The provinces adjusted. The federal government didn't adjust to the provinces. It was the reverse. The provinces adjusted to the federal government's decision. Chronologically speaking, it seems to me the relationship is clear.
On May 17th, 2012. See this statement in context.