Mr. Speaker, I know the member for Winnipeg—Transcona has been in this place for a long time and I can only conclude that he has just not kept up to date with some of the current facts. I would like to clarify for the House and for Canadians a few facts. I find it strangely ironic that they came from a member from Manitoba.
In 2000 and 2001, transfers to Manitoba will be $2.3 billion. It will account for about 35% of Manitoba's revenues and is about 45% above the national average. It is the highest of all four western provinces.
What exactly did the first ministers agree to at their meeting? Perhaps the member for Winnipeg—Transcona has not read the communiqué, so I will remind him. It said:
First Ministers raised the issues of Equalization. The Minister of Finance will examine this issue further after consultation with provincial Ministers of Finance. While final revisions for Equalization purposes for fiscal year 1999-2000 likely will not be known until October 2002, the Prime Minister agreed to take the necessary steps to ensure that no ceiling will apply to the 1999-2000 fiscal year. Thereafter, the established Equalization formula will apply, which allows the program to grow up to the rate of growth of GDP.
It said in 1999-2000 and all premiers signed this.
The member for Winnipeg—Transcona said because of the removing of the ceiling, Manitoba or some of the have not provinces will not benefit and the others will. That is simply misinformation. He knows full well that Manitoba will receive an additional $76 million as a result of lifting the ceiling.
I have one final note. Equalization has actually increased faster than anticipated. It has grown by 33% or $2.7 billion since our government took office. It was the only area of government programming that was not affected by program reviews.
Did the member for Winnipeg—Transcona have an opportunity to read the information that was available to him in the communiqué that was widely published and signed by the premiers?