Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Prime Minister made passing reference to Albertans as being the fortunate fat cats of confederation; an attitude which led to the hated national energy program.
The Prime Minister should know that Albertans have contributed around $140 billion to confederation over the last 30 years. Last year alone they contributed $2 billion. Next year the government will transfer approximately $475 million less to Alberta.
My question is for the Prime Minister. Is it right for the Government of Canada to significantly reduce funding for pro-
grams that are the constitutional responsibility of the provinces, at the same time insisting on setting all the rules for the delivery of those programs?