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Premiers gather in Winnipeg to discuss health care funding, affordability

Scott Moe, second left, speaks as Caroline Cochrane, back left, Ranj Pillai, third left, and David Eby, right, listen during a news conference following a meeting of western premiers, in Whistler, B.C., on June 27, 2023. Photo by The Canadian Press

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Provincial and territorial premiers are kicking off a three-day meeting in Winnipeg today in which the chaos in Canada's health care systems will be front and centre.

They're gathering to discuss how to use $46 billion in new health funding that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered in February, in exchange for provinces and territories committing to targeted reforms.

All but Quebec have accepted the funding offer, but none have submitted plans on the targets and timelines they'll use to turn the new funding into fixes for Canada's ailing but beloved public-health care programs.

Canadian Medical Association president-elect Dr. Kathleen Ross says health care must remain at the top of the premier's agenda at the three-day meeting.

She says little has changed over the last few months when it comes to understaffed hospitals, shuttered emergency rooms and excessive backlogs.

Premiers meeting in Winnipeg to discuss use of new health dollars, affordability. #CDNPoli

The premiers will also tackle economic issues and affordability during their meetings, which take place as Trudeau visits eastern Europe to discuss defence issues.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2023.

The Canadian Press

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