westguy

Even if Alberta did vote for it, that doesn't mean Quebec should be a chronic user instead of developing their own economy

did you ever think the equalization scheme is unfair to the ROC?

quebec is in debt for $250B despite receiving $257B in transer/equalization payments. Something is wrong witht his picture...

Signals - you stated more eloquently than I ever could the unfairness of the equaliztion proram and how Quebec exploits it

smallc - can you name one other province that has sucked $250B out of the ROC over the last 50 yrs??? As i have stated before I have nothing against helping a province that has fallen on tough economic times, but Quebec has developed a dependency on the ROC. Notwithstanding they have not been required to acct. for the revenue earned by Quebec hydro.

jacee-you must be kidding

the "treasure' costs this country $8B/yr . That is a net number after taxes paid by Quebecers are factored in.

cyner - does their open book poicy include the costs of business class trips to Vegas? I highly doubt you will find that in their annual report. I also recall that about 5-7 yrs ago, a govt. audit found that $500m was unaccounted for - of couse the FN's said it was motivated by racism.

wyley - your comments are insulting and offensive.

nothing could embarrass the Libs nor the NDP.

unbelievably juvenile...

Smallc; do you always insult the poster's whose posts you disagree with?? How juvenile....

I suggest that 9it is Quebec that is selfish and ungrateful ($257bover 50yr)

Read again my and Hydra'se posts. The equalization program badly needs an overhaul as it has been abused to the benefit of some provinces and to the detriment of others.

If we had an open market (not controlled by CRTC) there would be more than 500 broadcasters and CBC could not compete. As it is; itheir programs suck except for HNIC and News. If, as you say, Canadians like or want or watch them (Little Mosque on the Prairie), then they shouldn't need $1b./yr from the taxpayer. Hydra - you made my point more eloquently than I could. The equalization program is broken and badly needs an overhaul.

It seems that my opinions are not shared by the "share the wealth" leftists on this site. Can anyone explain why the CBC should suck $1b/yr from the canadian taxpayer to compete with 500 or so private broadcasters? so much for a level playing field. If their programming is so good - they shouldn't need government support. As for equalization payments, I accept that it started with good intent to unite the country. However, some provinces have grown dependent and reliant and it needs an overhaul at the least. It is not an equitable system for some provinces, who have had 150yr to develop their own economies large markets, to be a social welfare case and to exploit the ROC. Now, may I have your insults becuz you disagree?

People act in their own economice interest.. I suggest you reserve your offensive comment for the province who has grown dependent on equalization for 50yrs. It is not true that all I want is to "take,take,take" but I am growing tired of Quebec's reliance on the largesse of the ROC. Ulltimately, your post makes no sense

pardon my poor spelling/typing

People move to Alberta cuz that's in THEIR best interests and NOT to help Alberta. It is ludicrous to say that they do it to help Alberta. As for Quebec, they have become financially dependent on equalization payments, as evidenced by the ongoing exorbitant amount they receive ( $257b in 50 yrs). Certianly, they are in a position to do better as a province rather than to exploit the generousiity of other provinces. They have become a culture of enitlement rather than grow their own economy.

oops that should be d"onations like PBS".

you missed my point. If there are so many that think the CBC has good programming, then it should be able to survive without $1b in government subsidies funded by taxpayers much like PBC does.

cybercoma I look at Equalization Payments from a more pricincipled approach than mathematical calculations. They were and are intended to equalize the access to government programs and benefits. I take offence at; 1. Quebec's never ending reliance on transfer payments from the ROC. Despite having many market benefits AND receiving $257b in transfer payments over 50 yrs, they still have a $250b provincial debt. this will never end under the present scheme. 2. They pass a law (Bill 101) that restricts the use of English in public. Can you imagine the reaction if some other province passed a law that similarly restricts the use of French? 3. They have more generous social programs than some of the provinces that contribute to Equalization payments ( $7 day/ daycare, $2500 tuition). 4. The PQ removed the canadian flag from their "National Assembly". 5. They threaten to leave canada if their demands are not met. the threat of separation has never gone away. Contrary to your implications, i find the Quebecos culture delightful but not their politics ( adscam, charbonneau commission, shawinigate)

then let "the majority" pay for the CBC

i understand that some provinces (mainly Alberta)pay for the benefit of others (mainly Quebec). whether it is directly or indirectly that is still the reality

Please explain the intent of bill 101. Please also explain the remova; of the canadian flag. Please also explain why NO province has had the benefit of $257b fromthe ROC.