Mr. Speaker, all but a few-three, four or five-research centres are located on the Ontario side. Dozens of federal research centres are located in Ontario. The Prime Minister should at least acknowledge this basic truth, which is that Quebec has always been denied its fair share in research and development. Many have acknowledged this before him, so he could make a gesture today and admit it.
We know that Quebec receives federal help on social assistance, unemployment insurance and equalization, but this spending does not create jobs or stimulate the Quebec economy in any way.
Does the Prime Minister admit that Ottawa's chronic underinvestment in research and development, which creates jobs, is the reason why Quebec is so dependent on unproductive federal contributions?