Madam Speaker, I appreciate the question. Ontario had its CHST cash moneys reduced something in the order of 4% vis-à-vis the overall budget.
What the hon. member needs to know is that in 1995 the federal government provided 19% of the budget for Ontario. In 1996 it provided 19% of the budget for Ontario; also with 1997 and 1998.
The overall percentage stayed exactly the same. Where the viciousness of these social policies comes into play is a philosophical commitment to reduce taxes in priority to all else.
When that happens, I argue that the federal government has its overall supervisory responsibility for this nation to fix the province with the responsibilities as set out in the Canada Health Act, to adhere to those principles and to make those principles for each province.
If someone goes from Prince Edward Island to Quebec to Ontario to British Columbia, they can expect a level of health care that is universal and accessible, et cetera. That is the role of the federal government.
When the federal government cuts back transfers but in percentage terms it is exactly the same, I argue that it is the viciousness of the policies of this government that creates these horrible intersections which result in tragedies for our citizens. I will not speak for Quebec. I will simply speak for Ontario.