The Council of the Federation, which includes all of Canada’s provincial and territorial Premiers, is urging for a meeting with the federal government to discuss an increase in the Canada Health Transfer. Chair of the Federation and Premier of Manitoba, Heather Stefanson, says the federal government used to commit to half of the health budget, but now it’s 22 per cent. She notes that over two years ago, the Premiers presented a proposal, but so far there has been no response.

The Premiers are asking for the Prime Minister to meet with them early in the New Year, before the federal budget is completed, so it can include an increase in health funding to the provinces, to ensure the sustainability of their health care systems. She stresses that one-time funding isn’t the answer. It needs to be reliable, consistent funding through the Canada Health Transfer.

Stefanson says the health and well-being of Canadians is one of most important issues we are facing and these issues need to be addressed.