Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague across the way for his compliment in thinking I am part of the progressive wing in this House, a wing that I think he also belongs to. He and I have discussed many issues and we often agree.
In answer to his questions, he was talking about the cutting that was done by the federal government. I think it is fair to say that if it was painful to him, it was painful to everyone. Actually the main pain was borne by Canadians, but they wanted it done because it was their general wish to get the nation's fiscal house in order.
I must correct the hon. member in that the cutting to the provinces was not $42 billion. That is definitely wrong.
I remind him that Quebec, in its attempt to get its fiscal house in order, an attempt which we applaud, in its 1997-98 estimates announced its intention to cut health and education spending by 3.2% and 5.8% respectively. This cutting exercise, which is very hard to do when you are in government whether it be the federal government or the provincial government, has to be done. Governments around the country know it and that is why they are doing it.
I agree with the principle of federalism and I do not agree with the member's interpretation that we are being heavy handed. We have done everything we can to seek partnerships with the provinces to work together on setting priorities. In the long run I think he and I would agree that the role of government is most important when it takes care of the sick and the vulnerable.