Premier Grimes sets expectation for health meeting with Prime Minister

Roger Grimes, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is looking forward to achieving an agreement with the federal government on an increase in federal funding for health care systems across the country when he meets with the Prime Minister in Ottawa this week. The Premier made the remarks in a late afternoon media briefing in St. John�s.

"We have worked hard as premiers to demonstrate that the federal government has an obligation to increase the amount of funding it provides to provinces and territories," said Premier Grimes. "Together, the provinces and territories are paying for 86 per cent of all publicly-funded health care in Canada, while Ottawa only contributes 14 per cent."

On January 23, 2003, premiers released a draft health care accord which they say will form the basis for discussion with the prime minister tomorrow and Wednesday on the future of health care in this country. It focuses on what premiers believe they need in order to achieve renewed and sustainable health care for Canadians, and it outlines their support for a publicly funded health care system and their commitment to the five principles of the Canada Health Act.

"Here at home, we are now spending approximately 45 cents of every program dollar on health programs and services. It is striking to note that the province has increased its funding to health care by 50 per cent since 1994/95. We cannot continue to sustain increases of this measure without federal assistance," said the Premier.

Premier Grimes said it is important that the federal government provide substantial dollars to help manage current programs and services in the provinces and territories. "To only direct the funding into new initiatives would not address our immediate concerns."

Premiers also recognize the need for changes to the equalization program, saying in the draft health accord that they "agree to the immediate removal of the equalization ceiling retroactive to 2000/01 and agree to complete the development of a strengthened and fairer equalization program formula by September 30, 2003". The purpose of such a review is to ensure reasonably comparable levels of services to Canadians at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.

Last fall, the province�s Minister of Health and Community Services released government�s plan of action for health care: Healthier Together: A Strategic Health Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador. Government has identified priority areas which need to be addressed, including primary health care and a wellness strategy. It is in these areas that any new federal funding would be directed.

Premiers and territorial leaders released an information kit to the media earlier today which can be accessed at www.premiersforhealth.ca. 

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960.

2003 02 03                                         3:00 p.m.