Mr. Speaker, one of the member's final comments was with regard to the ghettoization of Canada and I think that is an unfortunate description of what might be in fact the effect of the equalization program.
The member will know that equalization puts about $8.5 billion into the hands of the provinces so their taxation levels do not have to rise for them to be able to provide the same kind of services across the country. It is basically a mobility issue.
The member should be careful in his choice of language. It would be wonderful to think that over the long term all provinces would be able to sustain their economies without equalization, but the bill before us will renew the equalization program for the benefit of all Canadians.
I would hope the member would want to clarify his views on equalization in Canada.