[malcolm]

The press is talking about equalization payments today.




Equalization gives best public services to have-not provinces: report
By Lee Greenberg, The Ottawa CitizenFebruary 24, 2010 TORONTO – Canada's federal government should freeze its dysfunctional equalization program with an eye toward scrapping it altogether, say the authors of a report being released Wednesday.



According to the report, equalization leads to worse public services in the three "have" provinces – Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia — while "have not" provinces maintain gold-plated public services while egging on free-spending governments.



Read more: http://www.montrealg...l#ixzz0hiA5IXAm

[Moon The Loon]

Ontario moved to the "have not" status two years ago and actually received equalization last year.

[malcolm]

Here are the numbers for 2010/2011

Six provinces to receive $14.4 billion in Equalization payments in 2010-11

• The Government of Canada has ensured that Equalization continues to grow in line with the economy.

P.E.I.N.S.N.B.Que.Ont.Man.(millions of dollars)3301,1101,5818,5529721,826How they do it