Health care and the effect of carbon pricing measures on the rising cost of living across Canada are expected to take center stage at Monday’s meeting of the country’s premiers and territorial leaders in Halifax.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said health care was the top official agenda item at the latest Council of the Federation meeting and he hopes the discussions will produce innovative ideas that will be able to help the provinces resolve the problems plaguing the health system.
Houston says discussions could also include carbon pricing and Alberta’s plan to withdraw from the Canada Pension Plan.
The focus on fuel costs comes after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last month announced a three-year pause on carbon pricing for home heating oil in the 10 jurisdictions where federal fuel taxes apply .
British Columbia Premier David Eby said the pause on carbon pricing is unfair to jurisdictions like his province, which collects its own fuel tax and is not eligible for the relief.
Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he is calling for an outright end to carbon pricing across Canada.
François Legault will be absent from the meeting due to a “scheduling conflict”.
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