The Government of Quebec is changing its rhetoric on the issue of federal health transfers and says it is now ready to transmit data to Ottawa in exchange for additional funds.
“We are ready to continue to share all of our data, which we already collect to provide Quebecers with an efficient and effective health system,” Premier François Legault’s office said late Wednesday. “For us, sharing data is about transparency, and it doesn’t have to be a condition. »
Previously, the CAQ government had always demanded that the federal government increase its health transfers without imposing conditions on the provinces. The Trudeau government, for its part, believes that any additional money should be accompanied by targets and requirements, including clearer data on the health services offered.
The government of Quebec reacted Wednesday to the desire of the Ontario government to submit to the conditions imposed by Ottawa in exchange for an increase in transfers. “Everyone must be accountable. I always say that there is only one payer of taxes, whether you are municipal, federal or provincial,” said Doug Ford during a press conference reported by the Toronto Star.
The Canadian provinces are unanimously calling for an increase in federal health transfers. While spending on hospitals and accommodation services continues to increase, Ottawa only finances 22% of the burden, they deplore, demanding that this share rise to 35% instead.
Everyone must be accountable. I always say that there is only one payer of taxes, whether municipal, federal or provincial.
During his meeting with Justin Trudeau in Montreal in December, François Legault said he was “confident” in the possibility of reaching a “long-term” agreement between the provinces and Ottawa in this file.
On Wednesday, Mr. Legault’s cabinet said it was “high time for Mr. Trudeau to agree to meet with the premiers to finally reach an agreement.”
With The Canadian Press