Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
First of all, I would like to congratulate Ms. Friendly for the answer she gave Mr. Brown. It is accurate to say that, since this is a private member's bill, steps must be taken to ensure that there is no additional financial impact, to prevent the government from requiring royal recommendation to block the bill, which would be quite disastrous.
Mr. Brown's comments serve us well, as he has shown that it is the federal government that cut off funding. We are dependent upon its willingness to provide funding. Previous governments, including the Conservative government, have withdrawn funding that belonged to the provinces. For example, the equivalent of 25% of the budget in the form of transfers should be earmarked for health care. Over the past 15 years, it has been reduced to 15%. It was increased to 17%, but we can still see the difference.
Quebec made that choice, but we would like the program to also apply to other provinces, because they deserve to have a very good program. What's more, as long as they do not have a universal program like that, Quebec will continue to face pressure to whittle this program.
My question is very precise, and it deals with accountability. I am always astonished to see the extent to which you would like the Canadian government to oversee provincial accountability. That seems quite contradictory to me given the mandate devolved to the provinces, because the provinces are the ones responsible for child care services. It also seems to be needlessly dependent on the federal government. When the Quebec government wanted to opt out of the program and increase child care fees, there was an outcry. It is easier to exercise pressure on a provincial government than on a federal government.
What do you think about that?