Mr. Speaker, ages ago, discussions were held between the provinces and the federal government, and tax points were transferred to the provinces as the result of these discussions. Quebec in fact received more tax points than other provinces.
However, the Minister of Human Resources Development, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and I have clearly indicated our intention to begin negotiations with the provinces to enable both the federal government and the provinces to straighten out and stabilize public finances.
Now, as to the first point, where the Leader of the Opposition was finding fault with my figures, I would suggest that, if he does not agree with equalization payments, he should say so. However, if he agrees that Quebec benefits enormously from equalization payments, he will acknowledge that my figures are valid.