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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.