Premier must stand strong for health care: Michael

NDP Leader and Health Critic Lorraine Michael (MHA, Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi) is calling on the province’s premier to stand firm against the federal government’s proposed drastic changes to federal health care funding.

“I am hopeful the Premier will vocally oppose the funding deal which will be discussed at the meeting of provincial and territorial leaders in Victoria this week,” Michael said today.

The plan was first announced by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty in December, and immediately opposed by six provinces including Newfoundland and Labrador.

The deal as proposed could be very harmful to this province and others, noted Michael. Federal funding will grow at six per cent yearly until 2016-17, but after that, increases will be tied to Canada’s economic growth.

In recent days, other provinces, including British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia have again came out against the deal, demanding an age-adjusted formula that will be fairer to seniors and all provinces.

“Premier Dunderdale did not say anything before leaving for this meeting,” Michael said. “I hope she will do the right thing for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”