To the Editor,
In 2016 the ‘have not’ provinces in Canada will receive increased equalization payments from Ottawa, while the ‘have’ provinces (such as B.C.) will continue to pay for this largesse while receiving nothing.
Quebec will receive over $10 billion this year alone. Since the equalization program started, Quebec has received over $200 billion. Quebec uses this money to provide rich social programs for its citizens such as the least-expensive daycare and post-secondary education in North America.
Quebec is a large province with a wealth of resources, much like B.C. It doesn’t deserve the wealth redistribution that the equalization program provides. B.C. (with its higher cost of living) doesn’t deserve the wealth confiscation this program requires.
The formula used to calculate equalization payments is skewed to benefit provinces like Quebec.
You may want to address the inequities with your MP.
Jeff St. GelaisVictoria
