Quebec Wants Federalism Side Deal - No Kidding?
October 18, 2007 · By Greg Farries
Even before the ink is dry on this weeks Throne Speech, Quebec’s Intergovernmental Affairs Minister is asking for a side-deal from Ottawa on curbing federal spending in areas of provincial jurisdiction.
Nothing has changed since the introduction of SUFA (which, btw, the Speech from the Throne “re-introduced”). Quebec has always hated SUFA, so I am not sure why this is a surprise, Greg.
It’s not really surprise they want a side deal. I just find it humorous that the call for the side deal from Quebec comes even before the Conservatives have tabled any type of legislation on federal spending.
Why do you find that humorous? I just think it is normal. Provincial governments announce their intentions all the time. The PM put it on the table publicly, and the provinces responded. Quebec was just the first out of the block (pun intended), especially given thier dislike of SUFA.