The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he is joining Canada’s Premiers for the Council of the Federation Meeting taking place today (Wednesday, July 10) and tomorrow (Thursday, July 11).

Premiers will focus on a number of economic and social topics including growth and competitiveness, creating jobs, increasing trade, and building strategic infrastructure. Premiers will also place an emphasis on health care sustainability, a national pharmacare program and mental health.

During the meetings, Premier Ball will co-lead a discussion on health care. Health care systems across Canada are being impacted by many pressures including an aging population. In Newfoundland and Labrador, provincial demographics are changing as people 65 years and over make up more than 20 per cent of the population and consume at least 50 per cent of the health care costs. The province also has the highest median age in the country, and incidents of chronic disease continue to rise.

As costs continue to increase, provincial and territorial Premiers are collectively discussing how the Federal Government can help address health care needs in Canada.

Quote
“Efficient and high quality health care and job creation are key priorities for all provincial and territorial governments. This meeting of Canada’s Premiers is an opportunity to share perspectives and experiences on important matters in delivering better services and better outcomes for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and all Canadians.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

– 30 –

Learn more
Canada’s Premiers 

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL 

Media contact
Erin Sulley
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
erinsulley@gov.nl.ca