'Need some flexibility': Sask. premier in Ottawa for health meetings
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe flew to Ottawa on Sunday ahead of the first ministers meeting regarding healthcare funding scheduled for this week.
Speaking with reporters at Regina’s airport, Moe said he would like to see the federal government adapt to the unique needs each province and territory will have.
“In order to address the challenges that are similar but often different across the nation we are going to need some flexibility across Canada in how we are going to invest those dollars,” Moe said.
Moe also recognized that this meeting will more than likely be strictly financial negotiations.
Provincial and territorial leaders have expressed a desire to see healthcare transfer funding increased to 35 per cent from the current 22, an increase of about $28 billion.
Moe said he did not have any details as to what kind of offer may come from Ottawa, but added they have some indication that some funding may go to the Canada Health Transfer while some may go into some prioritized envelope funding.
“More [money] in the Canada Health Transfer is I think ideal from a premier’s perspective most certainly, that is the way that healthcare funding has traditionally been allocated by the federal government,” Moe said.
Moe said he feels if the unanimous funding increase request was made by the feds it would make them a fair funding partner in healthcare.
“I think what we’ll see is an offer and then there will be some ongoing negotiations and discussions with the federal government and provinces on what bilateral deals might look like,” Moe said.
Moe said if the offer isn’t at the number requested from Canada’s 13 premiers it would mean there is more work to do.
“Maybe we would consider this a down payment then on future work and future discussions that the provinces can have with this administration or maybe a different one,” Moe said.
More details to come…
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.