Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the presentation from my colleague across the way. I also sit on the finance committee with him and I appreciate his comments.
In general, I think, there is some confusion among the public. In my latest householder, for example, I indicated the difference between a fiscal payment and an equalization payment. In this budget, the actual equalization payments have gone up by over $1.5 billion in total, I believe, and I think the total is around $12.5 billion.
The fiscal payments, the actual payments that are tied to actual spending in terms of health care, post-secondary education and social services, are a much bigger chunk of what we spend. If I recall correctly, last year we sent the provinces a little over $50 billion.
We can see that there is a significant difference. We have to keep in mind that equalization is an issue that was identified in our Constitution. It is a constitutional item and it is not geared to each province in terms of how it is spent. We may see different provinces spending differently.
I appreciate having a discussion on this topic because I think it is important. I do not agree with the motion that is in front of us because I think it is disingenuous.
I would tell the member who spoke that we relied on changing the formula or at least giving an option for the formula to Newfoundland and Labrador, for example. We gave that province an option based on a report that was done by Mr. O'Brien--