ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Premier Danny Williams said Wednesday that Newfoundland and Labrador is willing to help provinces as they cope with a downturn in the economy.
Williams said his province, which tabled a budget Tuesday flush with cash, can help provinces such as Ontario that are experiencing economically rough times.
"The big shoulders of Ontario have borne a lot of the weight over many years and, from Newfoundland and Labrador's perspective, we'd like nothing better (than) to lend a helping hand," he said.
"We're here to be part of a strong federation and we're here to help our weaker sisters in their time of need."
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has blamed his province's economic slide on the federal government's change in the equalization formula.
But Williams rejected that argument, saying Ottawa should assist Ontario as it grapples with its declining manufacturing industry.
On the same day that Newfoundland tabled a budget projecting it would come off equalization next year, a report was issued warning that Ontario could have to depend on the federal program in two years.
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