'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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.