Finance committee  Yes, we have no problem with national standards so long as it is clearly indicated that they do not apply to Quebec.

Finance committee  The cutbacks at the time were $2.2 billion. If we account for inflation and the increase in the student clientele, we come to the figure of $4.9 billion.

Finance committee  It is clear that there are advantages, in terms of provincial autonomy, related to a tax field transfer. However, because one tax point is not worth the same thing in each of the provinces, in order to balance the value of the tax points, we would have to reopen the equalization

Finance committee  That is exactly right. We do not want the provinces to be penalized for the social choices they make.

Finance committee  No, I don't have the existing breakdown, but we're requesting an increase of $4.9 million for—

Finance committee  Yes, that's correct, that's our request. We find that each province has specific needs that it must meet. Therefore, the provinces must enjoy complete flexibility in the administration of the post-secondary education system.

Finance committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We would like to thank the members of the committee for having invited us to make our presentation today. Our brief includes eight recommendations which can be found on page 9 and focus on three main priorities: first, reforming and increasing transfer