The number and nature of these challenges only services to illustrate this point. It is our belief that the public is most interested in seeing these problems addressed and the health care system revitalized. This outweighs their desire for the small taxation reductions that could be implemented at this time. The province s ability to compete A competitive tax regime plays an important role in the ability of any province to recruit and retain businesses and productive citizens. However, Canada has long recognized that the quality of its health care and education system also plays a critical role in th competitiveness of the jurisdiction.
Businesses rely on access to a healthy and well-educated workforce.
Workers want an environment where they, and their loved ones, can be certain that the health care they require will be available. If these conditions are not present, the province will not be competitive in recruiting and retaining either businesses or citizens. Although the pressure on the government to provide tax reductions is great, the NLMA believes this is outweighed by our need to maintain and increase funding to the health care system. Our patients tell us that health care is their top priority for any additional funding. Should it be felt that tax reductions are necessary at this time, the NLMA recommends modest and controlled reductions.