FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 7, 2022

Statement by Peter Bevan-Baker on PM Trudeau healthcare talks with provincial and territorial premiers

This week, the Prime Minister will be hosting a working meeting with provincial and territorial premiers in Ottawa on improving healthcare.

Islanders are expecting our Premier to work with, not against, the federal government to secure the funding we need to strengthen our healthcare system.

The federal government is seeking better data and outcome reporting as part of any increase in funding and we agree: there must be accountability with respect to how these funds are used.

For example, in 2004—when the provincial Conservatives were last in power—federal health dollars were put in general revenues and spent elsewhere. The provincial Liberal government then continued the practice when they came to power after and it still remains this way under the current government of the King Conservatives.

Government must spend the funds in priority areas such as: reducing surgery backlogs, improving primary care access, providing mental health services, fixing long-term care homes, and by finally bringing our healthcare into the 21st century through better virtual care and data-sharing. It is also critically important government does not earmark these funds to increase the privatization of healthcare.

Islanders are tired of Premier King and Health Minister Hudson refusing to take responsibility. Islanders deserve a strong public healthcare system, one that prioritizes the health of residents.

Peter Bevan-Baker
Leader of the Official Opposition Green Caucus
MLA New Haven-Rocky Point

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
Tel: (902) 213-0718
Email: jdhamel@assembly.pe.ca