Why does Quebec need more money from equalization?

Question

I'd love to hear from people who really do believe Quebec deserves more money from equalization. Why does such a huge and populous province with abundant natural resources not generate enough income for itself? It is one of the highest taxed regimes in North America (very likely THE highest) and yet still they want the rest of the country to support them indefinitely. 
Is it a cultural problem? Are Quebecers purposely not productive because they don't need to be- the rest of us will pay their bills.
I can understand small, backwater provinces with welfare mentalities like New Brunswick and Nova scotia doing this- but not a potential powerhouse like Quebec. What is holding Quebec back from providing for herself? Why does she need Ontario, BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan (!!!) to pay her bills for her?
I'm trying not to be mean, or disrespectful to Quebecers- It would just  be nice to know these things!

swmiller888 · Accepted Answer

People in this country really need to get more acquainted with the history of Quebec, its economy, etc. Ontario and Alberta have resources not found anywhere else in the country, but they are not provincial resources - they are CANADIAN resources and therefore should be shared by all. And, no, I do not now nor have I ever lived in Quebec.

Jim C · Answer

I'm also an Ontarian, and this is an excellent question.  I hope
Quebecers answer this question because I too would like
to know the answer.

To be a bit cavalier, the reason they get money from the rest
of Canada is because the rest of Canada keeps bending over
for them any time they make demands.  They have so
many different programs, special exemptions, special status etc its ridiculous.

I have no issues with supporting and protecting Quebec's "unique" culture and language and all that, but there has to be a limit and respect of Quebois people for other parts of Canada as well.  It simply cant be one way all the time.

Anonymous · Answer

Amen!

I'm a Canadian (Ontarian), and I'm interested to see how Quebecers answer this. I know very little about Quebec, but could it just be that minimum wage is lower, taxes are lower, or unemployment is higher? Any of those would contribute to Quebec's lack-of-income, but in that case, I would get Parliment Hill to put in a law stating Quebec has to keep their unemployment below such and such, or their taxes/minimum wage above a certain amount or they won't qualify for "Confederate aid"?

Why does Quebec need more money from equalization?

3 Answers