Provinces and Federal Government Not Making Progress on Health Care Funding

After more than two days of meetings, provincial health ministers and the federal health minister were unable to come up with next steps for health care funding.

In a statement from the Council of the Federation, released while ministers were still meeting, the organization representing first ministers expressed disappointment at the lack of federal response on the critical issue of sustainable health financing.

The provinces have asked the federal government to agree to a meeting that would include Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the premiers.

The Prime Ministers say that despite ‘repeated invitations’ and efforts by Prime Ministers to engage with the Prime Minister, he has not engaged in meaningful dialogue.

Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos and British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix are both expected to hold a press conference this afternoon.

Currently, the federal government covers 22% of health expenditures and the provinces are asking that this percentage be increased to 35%.

“Provinces and territories are working hard to improve the health services Canadians rely on and which have been strained by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Council of the Federation statement said.

“Substantial resources are needed to support and accelerate this essential work, and provinces and territories need a predictable federal funding partner.

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Provincial health ministers gather for meetings in Vancouver

Provincial health ministers were optimistic about the possibility of making inroads in negotiations that appear to have hit a snag.

On Monday, federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos told reporters Ottawa was ready to provide additional health care funding to provinces and territories.

In return, jurisdictions must commit to expanding the use of common key health indicators and building a “world-class” health data system for the country.

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Triple threat to BC children’s health care

The federal government has also not ruled out working with the provinces on health care funding.

Premiers remain optimistic about working with their federal counterparts to discuss support for the immigration of skilled health professionals, but noted that the federal government’s primary role in supporting health care is sustainable funding long-term through Canada health transfers.

“The Prime Minister must meet with Premiers to ensure provinces and territories have the resources and flexibility they need to make meaningful improvements to health services and to deliver the care Canadians deserve,” Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson said in a statement.

“Canadians should be able to receive high quality health care services now and in the future. It is time for the Prime Minister to honor his commitment and come to the table. »

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