"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes"

Tommy Douglas's vivid metaphor paints a picture of the Canadian federation as an old cow, assigning roles to its key regions in both economic and political terms. The West, with its rich natural resources, oil, gas, agriculture, "feeds" the cow by providing a substantial share of the country’s wealth through resource extraction and primary industries. Western provinces have historically contributed disproportionately to Canada’s economic engine, often feeling their efforts are undervalued or taken for granted by the rest of the country.

Ontario and Quebec, representing the central provinces, are described as "milking" the cow. These regions have long been the centers of political power, population density, and industrial and financial influence. They benefit from the wealth generated by the resources in the West, reaping rewards in the form of investment, government spending, and policy decisions that often seem tailored to their interests. The phrase alludes to a perceived imbalance, with Central Canada extracting more than its fair share of benefits, while retaining control over federal decisions and policies.

By saying "you can well imagine what it’s doing in the Maritimes", Douglas delivers a punchline laced with a sense of injustice and neglect. The Maritimes, comprising small eastern provinces, have frequently been seen as struggling economically, left with the “leavings” after others have taken the best. The humor lies in the suggestion that, after feeding and milking, what remains for the Maritimes is unappealing, if not outright waste.

Overall, Douglas’s turn of phrase captures longstanding regional tensions within Canada, pointing to the inequalities and grievances that arise when some areas feel exploited or marginalized. His words critique centralized power and uneven development, highlighting both the witty and critical spirit that defines political discourse about Canada’s national unity and economic fairness.