This morning, the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) released a report on National Health Expenditure Trends from 1975 to 2000. This report has significant findings that I would like to draw to the attention of my honourable colleagues.

Findings show that health spending is on a rise in Canada with the total health expenditure, in current dollars, at $84.0 billion in 1998. Health spending is forecast to have reached $89.0 billion in 1999 and $95.1 billion in 2000 - this represents annual increases of six per cent and 6.9 per cent. These results indicate a sustained recovery in health care spending by both governments and agencies in this country.

While the report�s national findings are significant, I am particularly interested in the results as they pertain to this province. Last year, the 1999 report indicated that health spending is on a rise in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year�s report supports last year�s findings and indeed shows that Newfoundland and Labrador ranks very favourably among all of the provinces in health spending. This trend has continued.

The 2000 results forecast that among the provinces Newfoundland and Labrador has the second highest provincial government sector health expenditures with a per capita spending of $2,268.04. Indeed, in 1998, which is the last year that the results are based on complete data, Newfoundland and Labrador is estimated to have had the highest provincial government health care spending per capita ($2,007) once variations in the age and sex of provincial populations are considered.

Newfoundland and Labrador is also forecasted to have the second highest per capita spending among the 10 provinces in the area of public sector health expenditures. The 2000 forecast indicates that our province spends $2,402.64 on a per capita basis.

Another finding of the report which my honourable colleagues may find interesting is that the 2000 forecast indicates that among all of the provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador has the lowest average per capita private health care spending in the country with $567.92 forecasted for 2000. Indeed, Newfoundland and Labrador�s private health spending is significantly lower than the Canadian average of $895.58 for 2000.

While we have much to be proud of in terms of the level of health spending in this province, government also recognizes the need for accountability in both performance and spending of these health dollars. There needs to be further defining of gaps in service and continued reform to meet the needs of the population of today. This includes increased funding for community health services and prevention initiatives.

Over the years, this government has stated its commitment to a publicly funded health system in Newfoundland and Labrador. The results of the CIHI report support and show the level of this government�s commitment to a publicly funded system and indeed to overall health spending.

CIHI is a national, independent and not-for-profit organization created in 1994 by Canada�s health ministers. CIHI�s mandate is to develop and maintain a comprehensive, nationwide health information system.

2000 12 11 2:00 p.m.