Referendum in Alberta: Equalization "is a right" says Legault

SHERBROOKE | Despite the threat of holding a referendum in Alberta, François Legault refuses to review the Equalization formula that allows Quebec to receive $ 13 billion in transfers from the "richer" provinces.

"We have the right to this equalization," said the premier of Quebec, before the members of the youth wing of his party who held their convention in Sherbrooke this weekend.

Even though the agreement in which the transfers are scheduled is in effect until 2024, the formula is at the very foundation of Canada, argued Mr. Legault. "Equalization is in the constitution since day 1 of Canada," said the chief Caquist.

The day after the rejection by his young activists of a resolution that would require him to have a plan for Quebec to stop relying on equalization, Francois Legault said he understood their caution.

No question of "dropping"

In his speech, the Chief Caquist returned at length on the subject, while still yesterday, his conservative Alberta counterpart, Jason Kenney, again threatened to hold a referendum on this issue.

"There is no question of sending a message that, yes yes, we could drop the equalization," warned Mr. Legault.

He said he noted unsurprisingly at the last Council of the Federation meeting in Saskatoon last month that provinces like Alberta are tired of sharing their wealth.

"But they forget that in Quebec, we pay a lot more taxes than in other provinces," believes Mr. Legault.

Balance of power

With Québec's share of Equalization now reaching 11%, the Premier of Quebec admits that his province does not have the "big end of the stick".

To change the balance of power, "it is urgent that we reduce our wealth gap with Ontario, with the rest of Canada," pleaded the Chief Caquist.

François Legault estimates that it will take Quebec twenty years before eliminating the current wealth gap of 24% with the other provinces.

"In the meantime, Quebec has the right to this money," he repeated about transfers.

In addition, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to announce that he has entrusted his Minister for Health, Lionel Carmant, the mandate to hold a forum on youth screen addiction, which will lead to the filing of a plan action plans and awareness campaigns.