What the Provinces don't like is when the Federal government provides the money and then says - do what YOU want with it. In other words, you take the responsibility for what is a Provincial jurisdiction.
Ontario's share of the fund being discussed is $350 million dollars. If they wish to spend $30 million on Ford's V8 engine, they're free to do so. At the same time, if they make that decision, they'll have to explain it and justify it to the people of Ontario, no different than Nova Scotia would if they, for example, decide to spend $15 million on a fish processing plant.
Prentice hints that Ford plant is eligible for federal aid
Says shuttered Windsor facility may qualify under hardship fund if Ontario agrees
STEVEN CHASE AND GREG KEENAN
From Friday's Globe and Mail
January 25, 2008 at 4:08 AM EST
OTTAWA, TORONTO — Industry Minister Jim Prentice says Ford might yet qualify for federal help to reopen an engine plant in Windsor, Ont., because Ontario manufacturers would be eligible to tap the Harper government's $1-billion economic hardship fund if the province agrees.
But he emphasized yesterday it's up to Ontario to work with Ottawa to set the proper ground rules for the fund.
