Harper's Budget & the Quebec Election

[August1991]

The original idea, I think, was that the federal budget should help the federalist, ex-Conservative Charest and the Quebec Liberals.

Then again, Harper is PM for all of Canada. English-Canadians, fair-play in mind, would say that a federal budget should not be held hostage to an election in one region.

So, should Harper simply do the "right thing"? Or should Harper take into account the political context of this budget? And if so, how should he play the budget into this context?

I have no simple answers. But I know that in Quebec, the federal budget will be analyzed in the context of a remarkable election.

One other point: Harper has scads of cash.

Any thoughts?

[geoffrey]

Harper has no cash, we as taxpayers have given him cash. If too much goes to Quebec, to help a movement designed to grab even more non-Quebecois cash for their distinct nation, there will be backlash. Canadians in general are a little sick of writting a non-tax refundable charitable donation cheque to Quebec every year.

I understand he wants to help Charest, but it can't be disproportionally in Quebec's favour. I fear that's what this 'fixing the fiscal balance' is. It's going to be even more Alberta's and Ontario's responsibility to pay for Quebec's distinct society.

[Michael Bluth]

Then again, Harper is PM for all of Canada. English-Canadians, fair-play in mind, would say that a federal budget should not be held hostage to an election in one region.

What does fair-play have to do with the budget making process?

Even Quebeckers realize that they get more out of Canada then they put in. Thankfully that PQ lie has been proven false to absolutely everybody...