Of course it is true. We are not lying.
The federal government's formula does not recognize the type of losses incurred by Quebec. Yet, these losses are very real, because with a harmonized sales tax rate of 7%, revenues would have been $969 million less than those generated in 1990 with Quebec's retail sales tax.
This confirms that the federal government does not recognize the costs involved. Over a four-year period, the shortfall will be $1.9 billion, or $2 billion if you take into account the federal finance department's own figures. This amount of $2 billion is what the Quebec government and the opposition are claiming.
And we are not alone. All the partners at the economic summit in Quebec City supported this $2 billion claim. Moreover, the support does not only come from Quebec. When they met in St. Andrews, all the premiers supported Lucien Bouchard's claim for $2 billion. So, everyone in Quebec and all the provincial premiers support it. What are the federal government and the finance minister waiting for?
In order to give a chance to the government, we say “Let us ask experts—one appointed by the federal government, one appointed by the Quebec government, and a third one appointed by the first two—to evaluate the amount”. If the government is so confident in its calculations, why does it refuse to establish such a committee? And I would also say that, if the Government of Quebec was worried, why would it go along with the idea of a committee?
This is an extremely important issue. Take the deep cuts Quebec suffered in the central government's deficit reducing exercise, and add the fact that it was the province that lost the most in the UI cuts, and that it was very hard hit by the cuts in health, education and social assistance, and two billion dollars adds up. The cost to Quebeckers is phenomenal and it is unacceptable.
So, if the government thinks it is right, then it should at least be willing to submit its figures to a panel of experts for review. And if it is not willing, we will continue to say, with the support of Quebec's partners, with the support of Canada's premiers, that the central government treated Quebec with blatant unfairness in the matter of the harmonization carried out by that province, the first with the federal GST, a promise made by this government it will be recalled.
I hope that this motion will be passed unanimously by the House as a sign of minimal good faith towards Quebec.