Rota praises health deal

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota offers his comments on the new federal health deal.

Further information is included in the following release issued a few minutes ago by Rota's office:
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Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, is praising Prime Minster Paul Martin and the Provincial Premiers for coming to terms on a long-term plan for sustainable health care in Canada.

“The deal that has been achieved over the past three days is a testament to the commitment of all the First Ministers to putting the health care needs of Canadians first. The Prime Minister has consistently said he is fully committed to working with the provinces and territories, and this deal reflects that commitment,” says Rota.

Under the agreement, $41.2 billion in new federal money is going to the provinces for health care over the next 10 years. In return, the provinces and territories have committed to producing information on outcomes so Canadians can be assured their money is being spent where it should be.

“The deal,” says Rota, “recognizes the need for flexibility by allowing provinces and territories to target specific provincial health care needs.”

The new funding will be used to strengthen ongoing federal health support provided through the Canada Health Transfer (CHT), meeting the financial recommendations from the Royal Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada, as well as to address wait times to ensure Canadians have timely access to essential health care services.

“The people of Nipissing-Timiskaming made it very clear to me during the recent election campaign, that long-term funding of Canada’s health care system should be the government’s top priority,” says Rota.

“The Prime Minister’s plan not only ensures a better-funded system, but produces better results for Canadians – an accomplishment made possible because all First Ministers ultimately shared in this goal.”