I would first like to thank the committee for inviting the RCMP to appear at this meeting today on the study of clause 377, where it is proposed that paragraph (b) of the definition “insured person“ in section 2 of the Canada Health Act be repealed to enable the modernization of the RCMP's health services program. The amendment to the definition of an insured person within the Canada Health Act will allow members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to be included as insurable persons under the provincial and territorial health programs.
The RCMP would divest itself of the administrative functions of providing basic health care services for its members, and in turn eliminate the indirect costs related to the administration and management of this activity.
Provinces and territories would assume the provision of basic health care to RCMP members under the provincial and territorial health programs. The provincial and territorial health programs are currently funded to provide and administer basic health care services for the force's members, as they receive federal transfer payments based on total population figures that include RCMP members as part of their overall population base.
The amendment to the Canada Health Act would come into force upon royal assent to the proposed Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act.
Again, thank you for inviting me today. I look forward to answering your questions.