Provinces, territories refuse federal government’s offer on health care funding
OTTAWA — The federal government pulled billions of dollars off the negotiating table Monday after failing to reach a long-term health-care funding agreement with frustrated provincial and territorial health and finance ministers.
Ottawa attempted to sweeten its offer somewhat at midday in the face of withering criticism that it wasn’t bargaining in good faith, but the additional $3.5 billion over 10 years wasn’t enough to bridge the widening gap between the two sides.
“We were working today to have partners with the provinces and territories,” Finance Minister Bill Morneau told a news conference. “We were unsuccessful in that effort.”
Ottawa offered $11 billion over 10 years for home care and mental health, as well as $544 million over five years for prescription drug and “innovation” initiatives, on top of a 3.5 per cent annual increase in health transfers.