But federal health minister Jean-Yves Duclos says jurisdictions must commit to expanding the use of common core health indicators and creating a “world-class” health data system for the country. Duclos made the remarks shortly before the ministers held a press conference in Vancouver, presenting their proposals to increase health transfers in Canada. Host Minister Adrian Dix says the provinces and territories had reached a “unified and shared approach” in Duclos that health transfers should increase to 35%, a level that should be maintained. WATCHES | Jean-Yves Duclos announces plans to boost funding for provincial and regional health care:
Health minister confirms increased investment in health care for provinces and territories
After a meeting with provincial leaders, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says the federal government will invest in tailored funding for each province and territory to help ease the health crisis. He says given what the regions and provinces have been through with COVID-19, there needs to be a national conference on the health transport system to reach a funding agreement. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said earlier in Montreal that the government is committed to investing “significantly more” in health care, but wants assurances that people have access to a family doctor and mental health services. Dix says the situation requires particular urgency because “it’s going to be a tough winter,” referring to an expected rise in respiratory illnesses “including, but not limited to, COVID-19.” The meetings in Vancouver are the first time all of Canada’s health ministers have come together in person since 2018.
