Feds, Provinces Closer to Reaching Health-Care Funding Deal: Minister

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos rises during Question Period, on March 23, 2022 in Ottawa. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says he is “very optimistic” that Ottawa is close to reaching a deal with the provinces to increase federal health-care funding, saying there’s been “a great deal of progress” on the matter this month.

“I am very optimistic—as the prime minister said earlier this week, as well—there’s been a change of tone and a change of direction in the last few weeks,” Duclos said during a press conference in Ottawa on Jan. 20. “I think that everybody now agrees, including the premiers, that we need to focus on results for the health-care workers and patients.”

Duclos added that the federal government is discussing “additional results” along with additional funding amounts with the provinces, which he said would be long-term investments in health care.

“These aren’t short-term investments,” Duclos said.

The health minister was asked by reporters if the prospective funding deal would be in keeping with the provinces’ collective demand that the federal government’s share of provincial and territorial health-care costs be increased to 35 percent.

“Currently, we’re very results-focused and the best way the Canadian government can help these results be reached,” Duclos replied.

“The challenges in our healthcare system are long-term challenges,” he later added. “We have an aging population. The workforce is aging as well.”

Duclos once again outlined the federal government’s five primary conditions for increasing healthcare funding to provinces, which include reducing backlogs, introducing more supports for health workers, and improving access to family health services and mental health services.

Another condition includes introducing a “world-class health data system” so medical records can be shared with various providers, electronically.

‘Positive Momentum’

Duclos’ comments on his optimism about finalizing the deal come just days after he said “lots of work still needs to be done before we come to an agreement.”

“Yes, we’re all looking forward to a final agreement at some point, but we are all very mindful that there is still lots of work to do before we get there,” he said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Jan. 18 during a press conference in Shawinigan, Que., that there is “positive momentum” between Ottawa and the provinces in terms of moving toward a decision on the deal.

“We feel there’s a very positive momentum because we’re getting increasingly aligned with regards to investments in health care systems,” Trudeau said in French.

He also emphasized that Ottawa is looking to invest in “the mid-term and long-term improvements of health care systems” rather than short-term needs.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on Jan. 19 that he will be introducing legislation that would allow doctors and nurses from all over Canada to start practicing in Ontario without delays in order to address provincial healthcare worker shortages.

Previously, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her province would reform its health-care system regardless of increased federal funding.

Tara MacIsaac contributed to this report.