Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from the NDP, my fellow Nova Scotian, for her question. Certainly I do share the concerns of my colleague.
Let us look at the first issue, that being health care. Back in September 2000 a reinvestment was made after years of cutbacks. We know that tough decisions were made through the mid-1990s and all Canadians paid the price. There were cutbacks in various sectors but specifically in health care. The reinvestment has been made through transfer payments to the provinces as well as additional direct spending by the federal government.
Part of the reinvestment in September 2000 was a fund specifically identified for hospital equipment. Two hospitals in my constituency, one in Sydney and one in Inverness, have purchased major pieces of equipment, which they feel will help reduce lineups and waiting lists for particular services. I am looking forward to being at the ceremonies to recognize the purchases made with those dollars.
With regard to equalization, I as well recognize that our province carries a higher debt load than any other province in Canada. Per capita it is probably close to 50% greater than that of any other province. This does pose additional problems and concerns. I am not quite sure that equalization is the answer. If we had access to dollars there are many national programs that we could get into. Sometimes we are challenged just to get into the national programs because we do not have the entry level dollars to get in.
I know that right now the province of Nova Scotia is receiving its highest share of CHST on record. It is at record numbers right now. Again I think that a major portion of the problem rests with the province of Nova Scotia. We know it has the same taxing powers as the federal government, plus more. It is incumbent that those processes are pursued whether it is through equalization or through another portion of money.