Mr. Speaker, my friend is right. Reasonable people can possibly disagree on this issue, but the government's position is that the new program meets our commitment to respect the offshore accords.
Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia can continue to benefit from the offshore accords and at any time they can permanently opt into the new equalization system.
The facts show that this government is keeping its word. The offshore accords are being respected. We are delivering on our commitments to the people of Nova Scotia.
We have a new equalization program that is also fair to all Canadians living in all provinces.