I was one of the people who worked fervently to get the Meech Lake Accord passed. I even worked on getting the Charlottetown Accord passed; it was based on the principle of giving the provinces the fiscal capacity to fund their social instruments. That was a fundamental principle. Unfortunately, given the policies of the day, the agreement was rejected for various reasons. Frankly, in my opinion, if the provinces are willing to assume their role in this large-scale social struggle, we will work towards our own goals with our own resources. I have no objection to giving the provinces more funding and freedom to do it.
Negotiations on transfer systems are coming up in two or three years. I imagine that the premiers will hold talks on what the new formula should be. I have no problem with a decentralized solution if it improves the situation of our fellow Canadians. That is what matters. My Liberal colleague may take a different view, but, the way I see it, it does not matter which government gets the credit. All that matters is who will provide the tools and who is willing to work towards these objectives. I have no problem taking a confederal position on this issue, as I am usually not in favour of a centralizing position.