But when federal budget consultations began, group after group told the Finance Department that a health-centred budget next February is crucial if the government wants to avert a real crisis. The provinces, many of which have restored health funding under public pressure, are leaning on Ottawa to help. Liberals say the February budget will be health-centred. But what that means is open to interpretation. Most health advocacy groups are optimistic, saying all the problems could be solved if Ottawa makes a bold move.
Actions speak louder than the words.
And that's the bottom line. So we will be watching. The erosion of medicare National data on the erosion of medicare is scarce. Ottawa used to cover half of insured health-care costs. Now it covers one-tenth.