SoVote

Bill C-237

44th Parl. 1st Sess.

October 05, 2022

Summary: This bill, Bill C-237, aims to make changes to the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act and the Canada Health Act. It proposes that a province with a program similar to a federal program in an area under its jurisdiction may choose to withdraw from the federal program. Additionally, the bill seeks to exempt Quebec from the national criteria and conditions set for the Canada Health Transfer. The bill was introduced on February 7, 2022.

Steelman argument in favor of Bill C-237: Bill C-237 proposes amendments to the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act and the Canada Health Act, allowing provinces the option to withdraw from federal programs if they have comparable programs with similar objectives. It also exempts Quebec from national criteria and conditions for the Canada Health Transfer. One steelman argument in favor of this bill is that it promotes provincial autonomy and flexibility in decision-making. Provinces should have the ability to tailor their programs to best meet the needs and preferences of their population. By allowing provinces to withdraw from federal programs and receive the same financial contribution, the bill recognizes the diverse nature of the different provinces and enables them to take responsibility for their own programs. Furthermore, this bill acknowledges the principle of subsidiarity, which states that decisions should be made at

Steelman argument opposing Bill C-237: Bill C-237, which amends the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act and the Canada Health Act, allows Quebec to withdraw from federal programs and exempts it from national criteria and conditions for the Canada Health Transfer. This proposal undermines the idea of national unity and cooperation in Canada. Firstly, allowing provinces to withdraw from federal programs based on the subjective comparison of program objectives sets a dangerous precedent. It opens the door for other provinces to demand similar exemptions, potentially leading to fragmentation and inconsistency in the delivery of essential services across the country. National programs are designed to ensure a consistent and equitable level of service for all Canadians, and any deviations from these standards risk creating regional disparities. Secondly, exempting Quebec from national criteria and conditions for the Canada Health Tr