Mr. Speaker, I am not an apologist for the provinces, unlike my colleague.
My colleague wants evidence. When this government came to office in 1993 the unemployment rate exceeded 11%. In February it was 6.8%, the lowest since April 1976. I suggest that is evidence. I also suggest to the member that she go back and take a look at the fact that the province Ontario has not balanced its books.
As one of my colleagues said earlier on the whole health debate, the Government of Ontario was transferred $1.2 billion last year, plus a one-time cheque for $950 million after the CAP was eliminated. It then sat on $500 million. At the same time, in December, when Ontario had one of the most major flu epidemics in the history of the province, 16 out 18 hospitals in the greater Toronto area were redirecting the ambulance service.
If the province of Ontario is so concerned about health care, why is it not using the dollars to help the citizens of that province rather than sitting on $500 million? Clearly, the Government of Canada transfers dollars. It does not administer the health care system, the ERs, ambulances, et cetera. Maybe the member should get her facts straight.