Mr. Speaker, all these programs contains an element of equalization. Under the Canadian federal system, money can be transferred from those who are employed to those who are not. And unfortunately, Quebec has more unemployed people than the rest of Canada. The situation is worse still in Atlantic Canada where the unemployment rate tops that in Quebec. These programs were introduced to allow us to take money from the more prosperous regions in Canada and redirect it to areas which are not as well off. And it is in this spirit that we want to resolve the problem. We believe that all of Canada can work together. There is nothing twisted about wanting to ensure that the least fortunate in Canada receive money from the rest of the country. Our system is based on generosity and we are not about to dismantle it on a whim.
We are currently undertaking an in-depth review of the system and we will listen to the views of all parties in this House in order to devise a system that will satisfy all Canadians. To resolve only part of the problem would be like taking a step backward, rather than forward. We have at heart the interests not only of Quebecers, but of the less fortunate provinces as well. We want to ensure that social justice prevails throughout Canada.