Moe continues equalization push

Program renewed but premier says now time to Discuss changes

Despite the federal government quietly extending the status-quo equalization formula for another five years, Premier Scott Moe says his push to change the formula is “going well.”

Moe put forward a Saskatchewan-made proposal that would keep 50 per cent of the current equalization pot the same as it is now, with the remainder of the funds being distributed to the provinces on a per-capita basis.

(The equalization formula determines how much provinces receive from a pool of federal transfer money meant to ensure Canadians have access to equal services, wherever they live.)

When Moe made his equalization case last week, he said he was doing so because the formula was up for federal review.

But that was not actually the case, as the federal Liberal government quietly extended the formula, as it is in its current form, for five years as part of a wide-ranging detailed budget bill.

According to Moe, this is “exactly the time to have this discussion” — even though the formula is now in place until 2024.

Moe says his goal was to “raise the conversation” about the formula, perceived by many — particularly in Western Canada — to be unfair. He pointed to the fact the issue was discussed between the nation’s finance ministers earlier this week and its addition to the meeting agenda for provincial leaders next month as wins on this front.

The premier contended he will continue to work on “improving a flawed formula.”