The truth hurts, but there is no getting around it. While members opposite are constantly playing to the audience—that is what they are doing—I am going to speak some hard truths. I know that Quebeckers are very proud to be represented by Liberal members, because they know that, instead of whining all the time, we take their problems to the ministers and get things done.
One thing is certain: when the MPs representing Quebec are Liberals, the essentials get looked after, and one of those essentials is equalization payments.
As I said, equalization is a system that has proved its worth, a system based on generosity that protects all Quebeckers and ensures that they have access to services.