Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is among the Canadian premiers who have agreed to a deal to increase the federal government's share of healthcare funding. (Photo: Canadian Press)

By Canadian Press

Premiers agree to accept new federal health-care funding offer

Feb 13, 2023 | 3:14 PM

OTTAWA, ON – Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson says Canada’s premiers have agreed to accept the health-care funding deal offered to them by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, although they say it is far less than they wanted.

Stefanson is the current chair and spokeswoman of the premiers association known as the Council of the Federation.

The premiers met virtually today February 13, 2023, nearly one week after Trudeau offered the provinces and territories another $46 billion on top of the planned federal health transfers over the next 10 years.

The offer was well shy of the premiers’ demand for Ottawa to increase its share of health spending from 22 per cent to 35 per cent.

Stefanson says the proposal amounts to about a two per cent increase.

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Still, she says the provinces will accept the new money while continuing to work with Ottawa on a long-term plan to ensure the viability of Canada’s cherished health-care system.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said earlier this month that Alberta’s share of the new federal health funding would be $518 million.

Smith plans to use the money to further the health reforms the Government of Alberta has already been working on, including reducing ambulance response times, decreasing surgery backlogs, and recruiting more front-line health workers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 13, 2023.

by Canadian Press

Premiers agree to accept new federal health-care funding offer

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