Premiers' Agenda Will Benefit Nova Scotians

Health care will be the top issue Premier John Hamm and his colleagues will raise with Paul Martin in November.

At a meeting today, Oct. 24, in Quebec City, the premiers agreed to push health care with Mr. Martin, who is expected to become Canada's next prime minister. Mr. Martin has invited the premiers to a meeting on Nov. 16 in Regina.

"Nova Scotia has a plan that's working to put more doctors and nurses on the front lines and reduce wait times. But Ottawa needs to do what Roy Romanow recommended almost a year ago and pay their fair share and work with the provinces to improve health care," said Premier Hamm. "Paul Martin has a great opportunity to work constructively with other governments to improve health care with guaranteed federal funding. Hopefully, next month's meeting will be the start of a new and more co-operative relationship between Ottawa and the provinces."

The premier was also encouraged by the progress made in establishing a new Council of the Federation. The council is a non-constitutional body aimed at making the federation work better through a more constructive, co-operative and productive approach at intergovernmental relations. Work on the council is expected to be finished at the next premiers' meeting, scheduled for Dec. 5 in Charlottetown.

"By working together as governments, this new council will help Nova Scotia secure a better working relationship with Ottawa and better health care," said the premier. "When the provinces and territories speak with one strong voice on behalf of our citizens, Ottawa has a strong incentive to listen and act on our concerns."