The victory of the PLQ in 2003 had marked the end of a chapter. The generation of politicians who, for a quarter of a century, had tried in vain to change the political status of Quebec, whether within the Canadian federation or by leaving it, was gradually retiring.
That year, under the impetus of the Charest government, it was rather the dynamics of federalism itself that they had claimed to modify by creating the Council of the Federation, which would ensure a better balance of power between Ottawa and the provinces.
The report published two years earlier by the committee chaired by the constitutionalized and future Minister of Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs Benoît Pelletier deplored the “diffuse and random” nature of federal-provincial relations, and the lack of cohesion that allowed Ottawa to ” appropriate leadership and define the agenda of the meetings as well as the fundamental objectives to be pursued by the country”.
In the absence of a constitutional reform in good and due form, which was clearly impossible, the Council of the Federation would be “the key element of a whole new federal dynamic in Canada, based on consultation, co-management, co-decision ” .
As early as 2004, the “historic” agreement on the financing of health care concluded with the government of Paul Martin, which was financially advantageous for the provinces and also enshrined the principle of the “asymmetry” desired by Quebec, hope that it was indeed possible to make the federation more harmonious.
As surely as a swallow does not make spring, it was necessary to note that this improvement was only temporary, as evidenced by the disappointing conclusion of the last three years of effort by the provinces, under the aegis of the Council of the federation, to bring the government of Justin Trudeau to participate more equitably in the financing of health services.
As happened in 2017, Ottawa imposed its dictate. When it comes to transfers to the provinces, using the word “agreement” is an abuse of language. The difference is that at the time, Gaétan Barrette had torn his shirt, while the Legault government expressed its disappointment without making a fuss. It’s “better than nothing,” said the Prime Minister. Like the “bread roll” we were meant to be born for.
It was under his presidency that in 2021 the Council of the Federation published a report which concluded that the federal contribution should be increased to 35% of the total cost of health expenditure so that the burden assumed by the provinces remains eventually bearable.
The report projected that the federal government would post a surplus of $50 billion in 2039-2040, while the combined deficit of the provinces and territories could reach $208 billion because of the growing amounts that they would have to invest in their health care systems.
Nearly 25 years after entering politics, Mr. Legault must now know music. He certainly knows that all these common fronts, which are always claimed to be “unshakeable”, have not changed the “diffuse and uncertain” nature of federal-provincial relations noted in the Pelletier report and which has always enabled Ottawa to divide and rule.
The provinces, starting with Ontario, which all urgently need money, will hasten one after the other to sign a bilateral agreement with the Trudeau government, politely regretting not getting more. Some will say that the latter played his cards well, but it is easy to win the game when you have all the aces in your hand.
If Mr. Legault imagines that Quebec voters will want to make Mr. Trudeau pay the price for his stinginess, he may once again be disappointed. From the moment he says he has enough money to finance the plan to “refound” the health network presented by Christian Dubé while lowering taxes, it is not Ottawa that will be blamed if the results are not not by appointment.
The meeting of the provincial premiers which was to take place on Friday to take stock and decide what to do next has been postponed until next week. To hear Doug Ford thank Justin Trudeau for his generosity almost on his knees, however, one can wonder what the use will be. The premier of Ontario is clearly in no mood to go to the barricades.
When Mr. Legault was still there, the PQ promised to withdraw Quebec from the Council of the Federation. He had been called a “baby” who, under virtuous appearances, was in reality a trap for idiots. Mr. Legault was able to see its formidable efficiency.