'Fiscally limited': B.C. premier reacts to federal health-care offer
On his way into an Ottawa meeting between Canada’s premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Columbia’s David Eby expressed optimism about the possibility of a new health-care funding pitch.
"I'm very hopeful we'll see a constructive offer from the federal government,” he said.
But Eby and his provincial and territorial counterparts were less enthusiastic after the two-hour sit down where Trudeau laid out his government’s proposal for a new funding model.
“This proposal is fiscally limited but I think it provides a foundation and some reassurance to British Columbians that we’re having those conversations and we’re moving forward,” Eby said.
The plan presented by Trudeau is for $196 billion from the feds to the provinces over ten years – including $46.2-billion in new money.
There is also $2 billion earmarked for an immediate top-up to the Canada Health Transfer to ease urgent challenges at pediatric hospitals, emergency rooms and surgical centres.
Provinces and territories agreeing to share specific healthcare data with the federal government will also see an additional five percent bump over the next five years.
“It’s more money than it was yesterday,” said Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson. “But again, I think it’s a little disappointing in terms of the new money.”
Within the $46.2 billion in proposed new spending is $25 billion to be doled out in bi-lateral deals between each province and territory and the federal government.
Despite the underwhelming reception his plan received from the premiers, a confident Justin Trudeau expects to begin signing those agreements very soon.
“I have high expectations, but also reasonable expectations, that in the coming weeks – not months – we will conclude bilateral agreements, begin flowing more money and Canadians will start seeing real results,” he said.
He would not say if the proposal delivered Tuesday is his final offer to the provinces.
The premiers say they each plan to review the proposal and meet again amongst themselves in the coming days to discuss how to proceed.
“I’m looking forward to future conversations with my colleagues across the table and also with the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister about how we deliver care for Canadians,” Eby said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
One dead after potential wrong way crash on Highway 401 in Milton: OPP
One person is dead and another is in life-threatening condition after a driver was travelling in the wrong direction on Highway 401 in Milton Sunday, according to police.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc insists
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
'The Fall Guy' gives Hollywood a muted summer kickoff with a US$28.5M opening
"The Fall Guy," the Ryan Gosling-led, action-comedy ode to stunt performers, opened below expectations with US$28.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday, providing a lukewarm start to a summer movie season that's very much to be determined for Hollywood.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
William Shatner says he would consider 'Star Trek' return: 'Here comes Captain Kirk!'
The Montreal-born actor, famed for his portrayal of Captain Kirk in "Star Trek," says he is open to reprising the iconic role in the sci-fi franchise as long as the storytelling is stellar.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
Hamas says latest ceasefire talks have ended. Israel vows military operation in 'very near future'
The latest round of Gaza cease-fire talks ended in Cairo after "in-depth and serious discussions,"{ the Hamas militant group said Sunday, reiterating key demands that Israel again rejected.