Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague a question and make a comment.
In 1969, if hon. members will recall, the federal government's share of the health care system costs in Canada was 50%. Today, in the year 2000, its share has dropped to 15.3%, and that includes the new investment of $2.5 billion. This is quite a difference.
If we look at the American system, people have to pay to get real health care. This is what Canadians want to avoid. Since the the budget was brought down in the House on Monday, Canadians from all across the country have expressed their opinion and the premiers of all the provinces indicated their disagreement with the way the federal government supports health care.
For instance, if the federal government contributes only 15%, the provinces have to kick in 85%. Can we imagine what that will cost the provinces? If the federal government really wants to preserve health care and avoid privatization, is my colleague across the way ready to admit we are facing an urgent situation, especially when we consider the reactions of the Premier of Alberta, of Premier Mike Harris and of the Premier of Newfoundland, Brian Tobin? He said “We will have to come to Ottawa to get the money, because this makes no sense whatsoever”.
Those were the words of an important member of the Liberal Party, a man who is respected by the Prime Minister of Canada. He supported the other premiers, who claim that there is not enough money for health care. There is nothing more important than health. Health is what matters. We need the federal government and its 50:50 partnership.