Discussion · Government Orders
Gabriel Ste-Marie Bloc Québécois
“I oppose this budget because it hurts Quebec. Ottawa still owes Quebec about $700 million for housing asylum seekers. It is also planning cuts to health care funding, and its tax changes cost Quebec $1 billion a year. Ottawa spends money promoting Canadian unity instead of paying what it owes Quebec. Why did the government not consult Quebec?”
“Mr. Speaker, this budget does not reimburse Quebec for the costs it has incurred in taking in asylum seekers, which represents approximately $700 million. Ottawa has been dragging its feet on this issue since 2024. Ottawa is also staying the course with its plan to reduce the annual escalator on health transfers from 5% to 3% starting in 2028, even though Quebec is calling for an increase in health care funding. Quebec cannot afford a federal budget cut in health care. On the one hand, Ottawa is reducing Quebec’s fiscal room by $1 billion a year through its mega deduction. On the other hand, it is reducing its financial contribution to health care. Ottawa is undermining Quebec’s financial independence. Ottawa is investing heavily in the symbolism of its “Canada strong” agenda as a way of pushing back against Quebec nationalism, yet it has no money to repay what it owes Quebec. Why did the government not listen to or consult Quebec?”
Mr. Speaker, this budget does not reimburse Quebec for the costs it has incurred in taking in asylum seekers, which represents approximately $700 million. Ottawa has been dragging its feet on this issue since 2024. Ottawa is also staying the course with its plan to reduce the annual escalator on health transfers from 5% to 3% starting in 2028, even though Quebec is calling for an increase in health care funding. Quebec cannot afford a federal budget cut in health care. On the one hand, Ottawa is reducing Quebec’s fiscal room by $1 billion a year through its mega deduction. On the other hand, it is reducing its financial contribution to health care. Ottawa is undermining Quebec’s financial independence. Ottawa is investing heavily in the symbolism of its “Canada strong” agenda as a way of pushing back against Quebec nationalism, yet it has no money to repay what it owes Quebec. Why did the government not listen to or consult Quebec?