Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said he was “very optimistic” that Ottawa was nearing an agreement with the state to increase federal healthcare funding, and this month made “great progress” on the issue. ‘ said there was.
“I am very optimistic. As the Prime Minister said earlier this week, there has been a shift in tone and a shift in direction over the past few weeks,” Duclos said at a press conference in Ottawa on Jan. 20. I think everyone, including the Prime Minister, now agrees that we need to focus on outcomes for healthcare workers and patients. “
Duclos added that the federal government is discussing “additional outcomes” along with additional funding amounts with states, which he said would be a long-term investment in healthcare.
“These are not short-term investments,” says Duclos.
The health minister was asked by reporters whether the forthcoming funding agreement would meet statewide demands to reduce federal contributions to state and territory health care costs. increased to 35%.
“Right now we are very results-focused and that is the best way we can help the Canadian government achieve these results,” Duclos replied.
“The challenges of our healthcare system are long-term challenges,” he later added. “We are facing an aging society. Our workforce is also aging.”
Duclos again outlined the federal government’s five main requirements for increasing health care funding to states. This includes reducing backlogs, introducing support for health workers, and improving access to family health and mental health services.
Another condition includes the introduction of a “world-class health data system” that will allow medical records to be shared electronically with various providers.
“Positive Momentum”
“We still have a lot of work to do before we reach an agreement,” said Duclos, commenting on his optimism about finalizing the deal just days later.
“Yes, we are all looking forward to a final agreement at some point, but we are very conscious that there is still a lot of work to be done to get there,” he said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on January 18 at a press conference in Shawinigan, Quebec, that there was “positive momentum” between Ottawa and the states regarding the move towards reaching an agreement.
Prime Minister Trudeau said in French: “We are seeing very positive momentum as we increasingly come together on investing in the health care system.
He also emphasized that Ottawa aims to invest in “medium- to long-term improvements to the health care system” rather than short-term needs.
Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford will introduce legislation on January 19 that will allow doctors and nurses across Canada to start practicing medicine in Ontario without delay to address the province’s shortage of health care workers. Announced.
Alberta’s Prime Minister Daniel Smith previously said the state would reform its healthcare system even with more federal funding.
Tara MacIsaac contributed to this report.
Peter Wilson is a reporter based in Ontario, Canada.