Bill C-237

An Act to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act and the Canada Health Act

Sponsor

Louis Plamondon Bloc

Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)

Status

Defeated, as of Oct. 5, 2022

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Summary

This is from the published bill.

This enactment amends the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act to provide that a province with a program whose objectives are comparable to those of a federal program in an area under the legislative authority of the province may withdraw from the federal program.
It also amends that Act and the Canada Health Act in order to exempt Quebec from the national criteria and conditions set out for the Canada Health Transfer.

Similar bills

C-301 (43rd Parliament, 2nd session) An Act to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act and the Canada Health Act

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.

Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-237s:

C-237 (2021) Law National Framework for Diabetes Act

C-237 (2020) National Framework for Diabetes Act

C-237 (2016) Candidate Gender Equity Act

C-237 (2013) An Act to amend the Fisheries Act (deposit in lakes)

Votes

Oct. 5, 2022 Failed 2nd reading of Bill C-237, An Act to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act and the Canada Health Act

Debate Summary

This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Bill C-237 aims to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act and the Canada Health Act by allowing provinces to opt out of federal programs in areas of provincial jurisdiction, receiving equivalent federal funding if their own programs have comparable objectives. Additionally, the bill seeks to exempt Quebec from the national criteria and conditions set out in the Canada Health Act, giving it more autonomy in health care management. The bill has raised concerns about potentially weakening national health standards and the universality of healthcare across Canada.

Bloc

Defending Quebec's autonomy: The Bloc is introducing Bill C-237 to address the root cause of tensions between the federal government and Quebec, which they believe stems from federal spending power encroaching on provincial jurisdiction. They argue that the federal government uses its spending power to dictate terms to Quebec in areas where Quebec should have exclusive control.
Opt-out with full funding: The bill aims to allow provinces to opt out of federal programs falling under provincial legislative authority, with the federal government providing equivalent transfer payments if the province has a comparable program. The Bloc emphasizes that this transfer should be unconditional and without interference.
Rejecting federal conditions: The Bloc specifically seeks to exempt Quebec from the conditions set by Ottawa in the Canada Health Act, opposing the federal government's plans to impose conditions on long-term care facilities and other health-related areas. They believe Quebec should have the freedom to manage its own affairs without federal interference.
Calling for respect: The Bloc argues that the federal government's use of spending power undermines Quebec's freedom and autonomy, comparing it to paternalism. They call for the same level of respect for the Quebec nation as is shown to indigenous nations.

Conservative

Concerns about the bill's spending implications: Conservative members raised concerns that the bill proposes the expenditure of public funds without a royal recommendation, violating parliamentary rules. They cited the Speaker's ruling that the bill would contravene the conditions initially provided for in the royal recommendation, making it inadmissible without one.
Focus on national unity: One member criticized the bill as not being inclusive of all regions of Canada, arguing that what is good for Quebec could potentially be good for the rest of the country as well. They emphasized the importance of cooperation between the federal and provincial governments and combining the strengths of all regions to address national challenges.
Accountability for healthcare spending: Members argued that the federal government should work with provinces to find economical and innovative ways to provide quality healthcare services, avoiding duplication and unnecessary spending. One member felt the bill did not specify the importance of maintaining the quality of service.

NDP

Supports health transfer increases: The NDP supports increasing health transfers to the provinces, arguing that cuts by previous Conservative and Liberal governments have damaged the quality of services.
Supports right to opt out: The NDP supports the right of provinces, particularly Quebec as a nation, to opt out of new federal programs with financial compensation to establish equivalent programs that align with provincial priorities, as per the Sherbrooke Declaration.
Opposes exemptions to Canada Health Act: The NDP opposes the bill's proposal to exempt Quebec from the national criteria and conditions of the Canada Health Act (universality, comprehensiveness, accessibility, portability, and public administration), arguing it would open the door to privatization and harm vulnerable populations.
Supports national pharmacare: The NDP supports the creation of a universal public pharmacare plan, allowing provinces like Quebec to opt out with compensation to improve their existing programs. They note broad support for such a plan, even among voters of other parties.

Liberal

Opposes weakening health care: The Liberal Party opposes the bill, arguing that exempting Quebec from the Canada Health Act's conditions would weaken the foundation of Canada's universal health care system.
Provinces desire federal funding: The Liberal Party believes that provinces want federal funding, but Ottawa has a responsibility to ensure provinces and territories respect the Canada Health Act. The federal spending power has delivered results for Quebeckers while continuing to recognize Quebec's unique place within the federation.
Supports current agreements with Quebec: The Liberal Party believes the principle of asymmetric federalism renders the proposed amendments unnecessary, and that the existing agreements with Quebec already respect the province's jurisdiction while adhering to the Canada Health Act principles.
Advocates national standards: The Liberal Party supports the idea of national standards for health care, including mental health, long-term care, dental care, and pharmacare, and believes the federal government has an important role to play in promoting these standards.

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Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements ActPrivate Members' Business

September 28th, 2022 / 7:30 p.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

Pursuant to order made on Thursday, June 23, the recorded division stands deferred until Wednesday, October 5, at the expiry of the time provided for Oral Questions.

The House resumed from September 28 consideration of the motion that Bill C-237, An Act to amend the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act and the Canada Health Act, be read the second time and referred to a committee.

Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements ActPrivate Members' Business

October 5th, 2022 / 3:35 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

Pursuant to order made on Thursday, June 23, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill C-237 under Private Members' Business.

(The House divided on the motion, which was negatived on the following division:)

Vote #185

Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements ActPrivate Members' Business

October 5th, 2022 / 3:45 p.m.

The Speaker Anthony Rota

I declare the motion lost.