That is a fine general principle, Madam Speaker. I am accusing no one.
From whom was this $7 billion taken every year? From the poorest members of society, those who had lost their jobs, who needed help the most. From SMEs, which create the most jobs but which are also the most vulnerable. As a result, fewer people are eligible for EI and are forced to turn to social assistance.
We know that not everyone can qualify for social assistance. An individual is not eligible if he or she has any income, however small. Therefore, when one of the partners in a relationship is working, it is clear that they will not qualify.
There is nothing for the poor, and a few crumbs for the middle class. This is a budget that favours the rich, three rich provinces, where the quality of life is perhaps better than in the poorer provinces, where fewer health services will perhaps be used, where there is perhaps less need for support.
And the Liberal government is talking about equity? What exactly is equity? The new CHST formula changes the rules of the game.