Alberta Premier Joins Others in Ottawa in Talks to Trudeau About Health Care

Prime Ministers Trudeau will be meeting with Canada’s Premiers Tuesday for two hours, to pitch a proposal to aid in stabilizing health care, said CTV News.

“We will be there, putting more money on the table, but it’s also important to make sure the focus is on results and outcomes for Canadians, including with better use of health data, more supports for people where they need them across the country,” said Trudeau.

CTV says the premiers are hopeful the proposal will see the Canada Health Transfer increase from 22% to 35%.  The outlet’s sources told them Ottawa could offer up a 10-year plan.

Speaking for other Premiers, Manitoba’s Premier Heather Stefanson reportedly said she is yet to see the proposal and she has no expectations to reach a final deal this week. However, she said it will be “a step in the right direction to be able to sit down and have that conversation- that continued dialogue.”

Alberta’s Premier, Danielle Smith says she not only wants a health care deal, but to also see an end to proposed just transition federal legislation. Smith said she is “interested in seeing the Prime Minister back down on some of the language he’s used.

“Just transition, everyone knows, is signal for phasing out our industry. We are not going to be phasing out our energy industry. We’re going to be reducing emissions, and if he wants to work with on that then I am happy to,” said Smith.

Speaking on the meeting, Chris Galloway of Friends of Medicare said they are hopeful that the “federal government and the premiers and the premier of Alberta will be grown-ups at the table and really talk about what Albertans need.”

Smith has promised to meet with other premiers this week to reach a common ground.

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