Legault, Ford call on Ottawa to increase health transfers to provinces

“It’s not a new problem but it’s a problem that is increasing every year and increasing because of the expenses related to COVID-19,” Legault said in a news conference following the inaugural summit between the two provinces.

“But because of the aging population, because of new drugs, new technology, we need more help from the federal government.”

Ford said there is an “endless list of areas in health care that we need to put more funds towards,” including a backlog of surgeries that will require the province’s doctors to work overtime.

Ottawa is slated to dole out nearly $42 billion to the provinces and territories under the Canada Health Transfer in 2020-2021, which Legault said amounts to roughly 21 per cent of health-care costs.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government will be there to support the provinces on health care, but did not commit to specific relief.

Speaking in Toronto on Wednesday, Trudeau said he would discuss any next steps with the provincial leaders.

The Quebec and Ontario premiers also said Wednesday they agreed to press Trudeau for funding on other issues affecting economic recovery, such as infrastructure and transit.

Ford and Legault said they also plan to work together to reduce barriers to international trade, and promote products made in Quebec and Ontario.

Both provinces’ ministers of health, finance and infrastructure also participated in the summit, along with other officials.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Sept. 9, 2020.

Paola Loriggio, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Legault, Ford call on Ottawa to increase health transfers to provinces

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