Subsection 2 goes further in recognizing a "principle" that the federal government should ensure equalization payments.

In 2013-2014, six provinces will receive $16.105 billion in equalization payments from the federal government.

Quebec will receive the most from equalization payments in the 2013-2014 year.

In the 2013-2014 year, the following provinces will receive equalization payments:

The following provinces will not qualify for equalization payments in 2013-2014:

A formal system of equalization payments was first introduced in 1957.

It also recommended the creation of equalization payments and large transfers of money from the federal government to the province each year.

Prince Edward Island is dependent on federal equalization payments for much of its budget.

He also pledged to make the province self-sufficient, that is to no longer depend on federal equalization payments, by 2026.

In 2009-2010, six provinces received $14.2 billion in equalization payments from the federal government.