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16 January 2007

Harper moving on fiscal imbalance

Radio Canada is reporting that the plan will include half of natural resources in Equalization calculation. Newfoundland and Labrador premier Danny Williams wanted all resource revenues included.

Ottawa will also boost transfer for post-secondary education and infrastructure, according to Radio Canada. The federal Conservatives will reduce federal taxes, as well, thereby opening up room for provinces to increase their rates of taxation. The Conservatives will also introduce a bill in parliament to limit federal spending power. Each of these elements has been discussed for months.

This news comes in advance of a meeting of provincial premiers, scheduled for February 7 to discuss Equalization, among other things.

Quebec will receive $2.0 billion according to la presse.