Fisher writes from North Battleford, Sask.
Equalization has been a problem not easy to solve. Even the premiers of the provinces cannot come to an agreement.
But equalization was never designed to spread the wealth from the rich to the poor provinces. Its purpose was to ensure that all provinces could provide a national standard of health care and other services.
Prime minister Stephen Harper was forced to explore a plan designed by commissioner Al O’Brian, who had been appointed by the previous government. Everyone was happy with the program developed except Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan.
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The Maritimes have the option to abide by the Atlantic Accord or to accept the new equalization plan. Almost overnight, Saskatchewan changed from a “have not” to a “have” province.
The Saskatchewan budget contains two sections. Section A lists all the benefits the province receives on an annual basis. Section B includes new grants, which amount to $878 million.
This means that Saskatchewan receives the largest per capita gain of any province for the year 2007-08.
Harper kept his promise on non-renewable resources. Federal grants to the provinces are earmarked for specific purposes such as health care, secondary education, savings to farmers and fishermen, workers’ income tax relief, aboriginal work training programs, the development of biofuel and more.
Perhaps Calvert is fuming because he didn’t get to spend the money.
One thing is clear: Stephen Harper has acted in a responsible way as a good steward of public funds. He is still probably the best prime minister we have had in many years and he should be commended.
