Throughout the years, the Liberal Equalization Program has transferred federal funds inequitably and benefited the provinces that provided the least to the program (like Quebec).
A number of provincial premiers have long criticized the program and called for changes, especially those on the political right. Yet now, we hear from the leader of the so-called ‘Conservative’ party, Poilievre, that he will not make any changes to the system.
“I don’t anticipate big changes,” said Poilievre in an interview with Radio-Canada’s Téléjournal Acadie. CBC has even asked the CPC leader if he would create any big changes, and Poilievre responded with, “You’ll have to wait for our platform to get our plans on all of these types of subjects.” We are just a few months away from the CPC calling another motion for an early election, and the CPC claims they don’t even have a published plan for one of the biggest issues facing Canada’s major economic provinces. This lack of transparency and accountability is concerning and raises questions about the CPC’s commitment to the Canadian public. Canadians deserve to know exactly what the CPC has planned for the country. Earlier this month, Premier Scott Moe, made a post on X, stating that “once again, [Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia] will be helping support the rest of Canada.” This post was also supported by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who said “It’s time for a better deal that doesn’t put all the weight on a few provinces.”. Despite calls for change, Poilievre seems not to care, and appears to want to keep Leftist status.