Jane Philpott

[Health, September 29th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, the approach of this government to health care is fundamentally different from anything we have seen in the last decade.

The Prime Minister made it very clear to me that he wanted me to negotiate a new health accord with the provinces and territories, and that is exactly what I am in the process of doing.

We will not only increase the Canada health transfer, but we will negotiate new investments in health. We will ensure that Canadians have the home care they need. We will make the transformations. I will do that in collaboration with my colleagues.

[Health, September 29th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, it is important that the House understands the facts clearly. There will be no cuts to health care. In fact, the Canada health transfer will grow next year. I look forward to very excellent conversations with my counterparts across the country.

Canadians want a health care system that is there for them. All levels of government have a responsibility in that. When we work together, we will find synergies, and we will ensure Canadians have the health care they need.

[Health, September 29th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to meet not one but two of my provincial counterparts today in Ottawa to discuss with them the importance of health care in our country. I have had good discussions with all of my colleagues across the country. I respect their jurisdiction.

Canadians do well when all stakeholders collaborate, and that includes every level of government that has a responsibility for health care. This will be necessary for Canadians to have the health care they need and deserve.

[Health, September 29th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, just today I met with two health ministers, including Quebec's minister of health and social services.

Canadians are proud of their public health care system and they expect their government to make sure that it will always be there for them. The Canada health transfer is going to increase by over $1 billion next year, bringing it up to more than $37 billion.

I will continue holding meetings with my provincial and territorial counterparts.

[Health, September 28th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, to compare the approach of this government with the approach of the previous Conservative government on the matter of federal-provincial-territorial relations on health is a misrepresentation of the facts.

I am meeting with my counterparts. I already met with them in January. I have been given direction from the Prime Minister to negotiate a new health accord with the provinces and territories. That was not done by the previous government.

We will do that. We will work in collaboration with the provinces and territories. We will invest in health, and ensure that Canadians get the help they need.

[Health, September 28th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, it is very important that this House does not misunderstand the facts.

There will be no cuts to health care. Our government is committed to being a good partner in ensuring that Canadians have the health and health care they need. This year, the Canada health transfer was the largest ever, more than $36 billion. It will increase by more than $1 billion, additionally, next year.

In addition to the Canada health transfer, I will be meeting with my counterparts on October 18 to discuss additional ways that we can invest in the health of Canadians, and ensure they all get the care they need.

[Health, September 28th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, this government is engaged in ensuring that Canadians have good health and the health care they need. To do that, it requires working collaboratively with our colleagues across the country. It requires working with patients and health care providers.

I have had excellent discussions with my counterparts, the ministers of health across the country. I respect that they deliver excellent care and have jurisdiction over that. However, it requires all partners to be at the table to ensure that Canadians get the help they need.

[Health, September 28th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.

I have already had many good conversations with my counterparts across the country, including the Quebec minister of health.

As the member is well aware, the Canada health transfer is going to increase by $1 billion next year, bringing it up to more than $37 billion. I will be meeting with all my provincial and territorial counterparts over the next few weeks. We will continue our discussions on ways to create a health care system—

[Health, September 27th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, let us be sure that this House has the facts correct. We are not cutting health transfers. We had the biggest transfer ever this year, more than $36 billion, but next year it is going to be even bigger than that, more than $37 billion.

We are interested in collaborating and working with our colleagues in the provinces and territories who are doing such a good job delivering care.

We want to invest in areas where we have agreed upon priorities, including increased investments in home care.

[Health, September 27th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are proud of their public health care system. They expect their government to ensure that this system will always be there for them.

The Canada health transfer was more than $36 billion this year, and next year it will increase by more than $1 billion to more than $37 billion.

I am meeting with my provincial and territorial counterparts in the coming weeks. I am very much looking forward to that meeting.