B.C. premier keeping an 'open mind' on eve of historic health summit in Ottawa
For more than two years, Canada’s premiers have been asking for a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss a new healthcare funding model – and on Tuesday the group will finally get two hours of face time in Ottawa.
“We’re not coming into this discussion with any red lines. We’re coming in with an open mind and want to see what the Prime Minister is going to present,” British Columbia Premier David Eby said.
“Our core goal here is to make sure British Columbians have the healthcare they deserve and that we have a federal partner that’s there for British Columbians as well.”
The premiers have been asking Ottawa to increase its share of the Canada Health Transfer from 22 percent to 35 percent.
Trudeau has signalled he will propose a substantial increase at the meeting but has not offered specific numbers.
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, who sits as the chair of the Council of the Federation made up of all 13 provincial and territorial premiers, expressed frustration the proposal was not shared with premiers in advance of the meeting.
“If we had had it ahead of time we probably could have had a more fulsome discussion tomorrow. There’s no question about that,” said Stefanson.
CTV News has learned there will likely be two components in the proposal offered by the federal government.
The first will include an increase to the CHT – but exactly how much has not been revealed.
The second component will include 13 separate bi-lateral deals negotiated to the specific needs of each jurisdiction.
It is within those bi-lateral deals that the feds are expected to lay out their demands for concessions from the provinces and territories as conditions for increased funding.
“The division between the bi-lateral piece and the health transfer is going to be a key part of the discussion around the table for the premiers. For British Columbia what we are looking for is a federal partner that’s there for us on the core healthcare system,” said Eby.
“But we are also looking at expansion of the health-care system, especially around mental health and addiction, around our home care and supporting seniors with long-term care.”
Monday evening, the premiers met behind closed doors for a strategy session on the historic meeting, but whether they can present a united front while each negotiating their own deals with Ottawa remains to be seen -- although Eby is optimistic.
“All the premiers have been working together to get the prime minister to the table to have these discussions,” he said.
Stefanson has indicated she does not expect any final agreements to be signed at the meeting but hopes it will bring about significant progress in the effort to improve Canadian healthcare.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.