Ralph Goodale

[Equalization Program, March 9th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that effectively for the current fiscal year we have in fact done just that. We have eliminated the clawback provision and because of that, Saskatchewan has benefited by $590 million. On top of that, we have corrected some of the old anomalies in the calculation. That has added another $120 million. Indeed it is true. Under the tenure of this finance minister, we have delivered to Saskatchewan an extra $710 million.

[Agriculture, March 9th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the contrast is really striking between the kind of partisanship that one sees in this chamber and the meeting I was privileged to have over the noon hour, when I sat down with the executive of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. We had a very useful discussion about circumstances on Canadian farms and how the Government of Canada might assist.

I want to thank President Friesen and the members of his executive for being very constructive and helpful in the advice they offered at noon hour today.

[Agriculture, March 9th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, long before this issue was raised in the House, I indicated that in appropriate circumstances the emergency reserves of the Government of Canada could be used. In fact, we did that last year. We have already demonstrated the principle.

I am working with the Minister of Agriculture and my cabinet colleagues to determine the appropriate response. We will be timely in our reply.

[Taxation, March 9th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, in dealing with fiscal issues between Canada and the provinces, I am very pleased to say that federal transfers to the provinces are now at an all time record high, and they are rising. In some of those transfers, like health, for example, we have a built-in escalator at 6% a year. With respect to equalization, we also have a built-in escalator at 3.5% per year.

On all fronts, the transfers of the federal government to the provinces are now at a higher level than they have ever been in history, and they will continue to rise year over year.

[Taxation, March 9th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I had a very good conversation with the Quebec minister of finance a number of days ago about issues related to fiscal matters in Quebec and in Canada. We agreed that we would respectfully disagree on certain theories about fiscal balances or imbalances and that it would be far better for all of us to focus on the practical solutions to real problems, moving forward in such a way that we improve the living conditions of Quebeckers and Canadians, and that we do that constructively in partnership together.

[Agriculture, March 8th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, members of the House will know that last year we dedicated very close to $1 billion for purposes aimed at assisting agricultural producers in this country. That money was drawn from the contingency reserve. We will do what is necessary to defend the farmers of this country.

[Aéroports de Montréal, March 7th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the subject of airport rents is under very active consideration at the present time. The formula is one that I think everybody recognizes needs correcting. It is one that is not consistently applied among airports across the country.

The next scheduled rate increases are on January 1, 2006, and the government will act expeditiously to resolve this matter well in advance of that date.

[Equalization Program, March 7th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I have already indicated a number of the steps that have been taken by the government to address the concerns of Saskatchewan. I acknowledge that those concerns are very real and very deep because the Conservative Party saddled Saskatchewan with an $11 billion debt. That is what is dragging the province down.

The government is trying to lift that province up by improving equalization and ensuring that it is there for Saskatchewan when Saskatchewan needs it.

[Natural Resources, March 7th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I am very proud indeed to be the only elected politician in Saskatchewan, federal or provincial, who has delivered $710 million for my province in the last fiscal year under the current equalization system to correct past errors, to put a floor under the system, to stop the clawback and to ensure that Saskatchewan can enjoy its have status

[Natural Resources, March 7th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. gentleman would know, the legislation involves some very significant complexity. It is being drafted at the present moment. It will be presented to the House as quickly as it possibly can be.