NLIS 6 June 22, 2004 (Executive Council) The following is being distributed at the request of the Council of Atlantic Premiers (CAP): Atlantic premiers agree that
efficient, sustainable health care and stimulating Today, the Atlantic premiers reaffirmed their commitment to an enhanced publicly-funded health care system and to seeking federal government cooperation in the area of economic development. Health Care The Atlantic premiers voiced support for the continuing efforts of their departments of health in pursuing numerous initiatives in such areas as common drug review, primary care, health human resources, patient-centred interdisciplinary care and electronic health records. Premiers directed their health ministers to explore further detailed action planning for the implementation of electronic health records, including means of accessing the $1.2 billion in federal funding available through Canada Health Infoway, and to report back to them by the end of the summer. Premiers agreed the plan should provide for flexible approaches to innovations and could include a common provider registry, a health surveillance system to track diseases, diagnostic imaging, patient records and computerized waiting lists. The intent of these initiatives is to ensure access to required health services in the most efficient manner. However, these initiatives represent only part of the solution to the challenge of sustaining a publicly-funded health care system. The federal government must participate in addressing the funding crisis in the delivery of health and social services through a combination of improvements to the current funding arrangements for health. Premiers also reaffirmed their support for strengthening the Equalization formula, and called on the federal government to offset the effect of clawbacks caused by census adjustments. Atlantic premiers reaffirmed their support of the Council of the Federation position that the federal government must play a full partnership role by adding $3 billion to the base in this fiscal year and moving to assume 25 per cent of provincial health and social costs by the end of the decade. The premiers emphasized that any new federal dollars must ensure adequate support of on-going health services before funding any new programs. The Atlantic premiers agreed to continue aggressive implementation of health care initiatives aimed at ensuring that health services are available on an equitable basis, and to continue to pressure the federal government to provide long-term, sustainable, predictable health and social funding. They look forward to discussing these issues at the next First Ministers� meeting. Growth, and Prosperity for Atlantic Canada The Atlantic premiers agreed that a renewed cooperative approach with the federal government in the area of economic development is required. This approach should include skills development, innovation, infrastructure, tax competitiveness, energy, and immigration. The premiers agreed that this renewed relationship with the federal government should be based on the following principles:
Atlantic premiers will be seeking an early meeting with the Prime Minister and his Atlantic cabinet to discuss their economic development strategy for the region. Agrifood Action Plan The Council of Atlantic Premiers tasked agriculture and business development officials to undertake consumer research to determine knowledge and attitudes regarding Atlantic food products as a first step in a closer partnership between Atlantic governments and the Atlantic agriculture industry. They will explore how to provide greater access to institutional and other markets for Atlantic food products. The premiers directed officials to provide a detailed progress report at the council�s next meeting. Premiers endorsed the Atlantic Farmers Council�s proposal to seek federal funding for an Atlantic Alternative Energy Centre which will facilitate research into alternative energy options, in particular wind power and bio-gas. Energy The premiers expressed their support for the energy ministers� agenda and commended their commitment to regional collaboration. The next meeting of energy ministers is scheduled to be held in Newfoundland and Labrador in September 2004. Procurement The harmonization of procedures is intended
to reduce and simplify the administrative burden placed on vendors competing
for contracts within Atlantic Canada. Copies of the Standard Terms and
Conditions will be posted to the Council of Atlantic Premiers� Web site
and all Atlantic government tender opportunities Web sites effective June
30, 2004. Media contact:
2004 06 22 1:00 p.m. |
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