Canada’s premiers say “no progress” has been made in health-care funding discussions with Ottawa as meetings between federal and provincial health ministers wrapped up Tuesday.
Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos was in Vancouver for two days of discussions with his provincial and territorial counterparts as provinces and territories continued their push for more federal cash for health services.
But before the meetings could conclude, premiers released a media statement saying that “no progress” had been made and repeated their request for a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Canadians should be able to receive high quality, health services now and for the future. It is time for the prime minister to honour his commitment and come to the table,” Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson said in the statement.
The provinces and territories have been united in calling on the federal government to boost its share of health-care costs from 22 per cent to 35 per cent. They also want a first ministers’ meeting to discuss the Canada Health Transfer (CHT).
Speaking to reporters following Tuesday’s meetings, B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix said the ministers had planned a joint press conference with Duclos, but Duclos backed out following the premiers’ statement.
“That’s entirely fair of the federal government to do,” Dix said. “But I think it’s disappointing. I’m not sure it sends the best message.”
