Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talks to reporters in the foyer as he arrives for question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. (Photo: Canadian Press)

By Canadian Press/with files from David Opinko, LNN

Feds will increase annual health transfer and offer targeted funding with conditions

Feb 6, 2023 | 4:30 PM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will offer the provinces a “significant” increase to the Canada Health Transfer and additional money if they agree to one-on-one deals targeting specific problem areas in the health-care system.

A senior government official with knowledge of the plan says Trudeau will lay out a 10-year offer when he meets with the country’s 13 premiers in Ottawa on Feb. 7.

The Canadian Press agreed to grant the official anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.

The premiers say Ottawa contributes about 22 per cent of what the provinces spend on health care and they want that to go up to 35 per cent.

Trudeau will insist some of the increased federal cash go to specific areas including addressing worker shortages, improving data collection and reducing surgical backlogs.

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The federal Liberals say Tuesday’s meeting will not result in a final deal, and that health ministers will continue to work out the details over the next several weeks.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she and Health Minister Jason Copping are in Ottawa for a series of meetings.

She says they will meet with Trudeau to discuss health care and the proposed Just Transition legislation.

Smith also plans to meet with her fellow premiers to talk about a range of issues.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 6, 2023.

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