Ahead of a virtual meeting of the Council of the Federation today (Mon), Premier Scott Moe says the two per cent increase in federal health funding isn’t what he wanted, but it is an increase nonetheless. The Premiers were hoping for an increase from 22 per cent to 35 per cent of the health budget.

Moe states that any increase in the area of health care is appreciated, and it will be well applied in Saskatchewan, although there is much to be done yet and more discussions ahead before things get finalized. He suggests the lower number means the province can’t move on some of the changes it wants to make.

The federal government plans to sign bilateral deals with each province and territory, so the federal Health Minister will meet with each Premier to talk about specific issues for that province. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said in the past that what the federal government is looking for is better use of electronic information and data to support a higher quality of care, more family doctors, less time on waiting lists, better support for health care professionals entering the workforce and to help keep them in the workforce and better mental health care. (with files from CKRM)