Minister Wants to Renew Health Partnership with Ottawa

Health Minister Jamie Muir is meeting with his counterparts from across the country this week with one agenda item on his mind: to bring the federal government back to the health care table as a full partner.

"The federal government must return to the table as a full partner. Nova Scotians, in fact all Canadians, are telling Ottawa that health is the number 1 priority. It's time they start listening and respond accordingly," said the minister.

Mr. Muir said the federal government and the provinces shared costs when Medicare was first introduced. Today, the federal government contributes only 12.5 cents of every dollar spent on health in the province while Nova Scotians pick up the difference.

"Ottawa is putting us in a very difficult situation especially now as we prepare the provincial budget," said Mr. Muir. "When you see that the wealthier provinces like Ontario and Alberta are worried, just imagine the impact on a smaller province like Nova Scotia. Fundamental changes are going to have to be made if we are to ensure a sustainable and secure health care system for today and into the future."

The minister will also raise the issue of recruiting and retaining health professionals, specifically physicians and nurses.

"Human-resource planning in health is a national problem that needs to be addressed immediately," he said.

Mr. Muir leaves on Thursday, March 23, for Montreal to meet with provincial and territorial health ministers in preparation for their meeting with the federal health minister, Allan Rock, at the end of the month.