'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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.