Madam Speaker, the member noted that the auditor general had indicated some concern about the amount of moneys transferred to the provinces. The member knows very well some of the mechanics that it goes through.
I am concerned as well that the combination of tax points and cash transfers are relative to specific computations. The provinces do not colour code dollars. They receive a bulk transfer and what they spend it on is in their domain. That is a matter of concern because the federal government has to be the protector of the Canada Health Act which has five principles: universality, accessibility, portability, comprehensiveness and publicly funded.
The member raised a very good point with regard to the estimates process. She indicated that the health committee had reviewed the estimates with officials and that no recommendations were made. Having been on the health committee and having served on other committees, I know how difficult the process is because it is a very specialized area of activity.
Would the member care to comment on a suggestion that has been made as part of the modernization of parliament that the review of estimates process be consolidated into one committee? This committee would be composed of people who were specifically interested and had the background, training and interest to review estimates. The main standing committee could then shift its emphasis to a review of the planning and priorities area which is more generally of interest to members of the Standing Committee on Health.