Mr. Speaker, I thought I was immune to the drivel coming from the government side, but I cannot believe what I am listening to today.
What they do not seem to understand is that the problem remains the same. The federal government is using its spending powers to get into provincial jurisdiction.
Yesterday in debate the Minister of Justice said that we should respect our Constitution. Maybe the Liberals should read it. Maybe they would find out that under section 92.7 it is very clear that health is a provincial jurisdiction.
They can talk about quibbling over jurisdiction, but it is quite clear to me that most of the problems we have had in this country were caused by a breakdown in the partnership between the federal government and the provinces.
The member for Mississauga West talked about working with the provinces. I do not know how to say it politely, but that is a pile. There is no indication that this federal government is working with the provinces.
Talking with the provinces was another reference made by the member for Mississauga West. The Prime Minister is not talking with the premiers, he is talking to the premiers. He is giving them an alternative: “Agree with my position or you don't get any money”.
It really ticks me off when it is all over an issue of the federal government wanting to maintain control over health care. It is the problem. Members across the way are blaming the provinces when their government has cut $16.5 billion since 1995. Yet they have the audacity to blame the province of Quebec and the province of Ontario. I do not know how they can possibly think that Canadians are going to believe it is somebody else who cut $16.5 billion from transfer payments to the provinces.
Yes, the Liberals brought in national health care. Yes, they are responsible for it. However, at that time they promised 50% funding. What happened? Now they are funding it at 11%. It is no wonder there is a crisis in this country. To say that they want to be in control of health care is like putting the fox in charge of security in the chicken coop.
They want a report card for the provinces. That is a bloody joke. Here they are—