Mr. Speaker, many people rightly feel that the social union agreement represents important progress in the evolution of Canadian federalism
For instance, in the new agreement, the federal government takes a large step in agreeing to no longer introduce new initiatives supported by transfers to the provinces, whether cost-shared or block-funded.
The federal government will limit its role to setting objectives and will have to obtain the agreement of a majority of provinces, which will then be allowed to tailor programs to their own requirements.
This is the kind of overture the government has made with a view to modernizing Canadian federalism. This is the kind of overture our government feels would strengthen the provinces' sense of being a part of Canada, while respecting their own priorities with respect to development and approach in a sector as vital as social services and health.