The hon. member used the word “séparatiste”. He can use any word he wants, but I would like to ask this member a question.
Tax points—and I am not referring to cash transfers—were introduced because, as far back as Duplessis, the provinces did not agree with the federal invasion of provincial jurisdictions, more specifically in health care, education and social assistance.
The provinces realized that the federal government was using its constitutional spending power to do it, and they demanded compensation in the form of tax points and cash transfers.
Let me point out a specific aspect to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance. Does he find it normal that, in 1961, personal income tax generated $2.130 billion in federal revenues, and $89.580 billion in 2000? This is 40 times higher than 40 years ago. This was condemned by all the Canadian provinces, not just by Quebec separatists, not only by the sovereignists, but also all good federalists in Canada.