The federal government relied heavily on cuts to the transfer programs in its deficit cutting exercise. With the federal budget in a surplus position, the federal government should begin immediately to restore funding to the health care system. Full restoration should occur as soon as possible. The number one priority of Canadians is the improvement of the health care system. Federal priorities should reflect this view.
Premiers support health care as the first call on new federal spending.
As the providers of health care services, provinces and territories have developed, or are in the process of developing, an integrated system of program delivery. Health needs are different in every province and territory. Individual provinces and territories know best what the needs of their health care system are. Additional federal support for health care should be provided through the CHST so that money can be channeled directly to where it is most needed. The introduction of new federal initiatives would reduce provinces' and territories' capacity to fund core health services and place governments at odds over the future direction of health care in Canada.