Mr. Speaker, we have seen action on a number of fronts, and I am happy to respond in detail to my hon. friend's question.
First, this year's transfers to the provinces reflect the agreements of last September and the increased amounts. This year Ontario, to use my home province as an example, will receive an additional $1.2 billion from the Government of Canada in the transfers available for health. It is interesting to note that when the province of Ontario tabled its budget a few weeks ago, an additional amount of $1.2 billion was made available for health. In other words, the Government of Canada is contributing exactly what the Harris government is increasing for health spending this year.
Second, the member speaks about the availability of doctors and nurses, which is of course the very first thing that the Prime Minister and the premiers listed in the priorities that were identified for government action. I am happy to report that we have made progress there, two things among many.
First, the health ministers agreed and published a national nursing strategy some months ago which reflects the hard work of the nursing profession and the provincial governments in sorting out ways to deal with the shortages in nursing care in Canada: addressing the underlying problems of working conditions; increasing enrolment in the nursing schools; and addressing some of the grievances that the profession has had with respect to its position in the health care system.
In relation to doctors: Three years ago total enrolment in medical schools in this country was about 1,570 places. Next September it will be 2,000. We are going in the right direction. I could go on but I think my friend has the general idea.