Letter to Editor regarding articles from the Council of the Federal Meeting: "Health cuts would drain $36B from provinces" (Saskatoon Star Phoenix - July 28, 2012) "Premiers warn of $36b health shortfall; Ottawa's funding changes blamed" (Halifax Chronicle-Herald July 28, 2012)

2012-123
July 31, 2012
For immediate release

OTTAWA - I am writing in response to recent articles which state that Premiers attending the Council of the Federation characterized the federal healthcare transfer funding formula to the provinces as a cut in federal funding.

Our government has significantly increased transfers to the provinces and territories for health care. Funding for healthcare will continue to grow from a record level of $27 billion in 2011-12 to a minimum of $38 billion by 2018-19.

This is an increase in transfers; plain and simple.

In December 2011, we set the future growth path of transfers to the provinces and territories in order to provide sustainable and predictable funding that will support the provision of health care for all Canadians. The Canada Health Transfer will continue to grow by 6% per year for the next five years, and in 2017-18, growth will be linked to nominal gross domestic product growth, but with a guarantee that it will increase by at least 3 per cent per year.

While respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction, the Government of Canada plays a leadership role in health and health care, including these major transfers and by investing more than $1 billion per year in health research and innovation. There are currently more than 10,000 health research projects underway that will help improve healthcare across Canada. 

Our government is committed to providing transfers to the provinces and territories that grow at a level that is affordable and sustainable and reflects taxpayers' ability to pay.

Sincerely,

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health

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