As premiers gathered in British Columbia try again to make their case for a permanent increase in federal health transfers, they're also waiting on $2 billion they were promised back in March to help clear surgical and diagnostic backlogs.
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced the one-time top-up to "expedite" surgeries on March 25, and he and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland introduced a bill in the House of Commons the same day to enable the funding.
New Brunswick's budget was released three days before Duclos promised another $41 million to the province, and Premier Blaine Higgs said his government is sticking with its plan. The federal government noted the money could be used to "strengthen the health workforce," and that's why Higgs said even when the letters are signed, the spending won't be immediate.
"Too many of our fellow citizens have suffered and are still suffering," he said. "In 2022, this should simply not be happening in Canada." The provinces need sustainable, long-term funding, "so don't put it out in dribs and drabs that we can't really utilize," he said.
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