Myths and facts: The Canadian health transfer.
Unfortunately, there have been a lot of rumours and misinformation spread about federal health transfers by those with a political motive to confuse the facts. I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight.
Our government is committed to a publicly funded, universally accessible health care system founded on the principles of the Canada Health Act.
In 2011, our government announced a major new investment in health care, and committed to continued growth in health transfers to the provinces and territories. Our plan has provided record growth to all provinces, and these transfers will continue to grow by six per cent every year for the next three years.
In 2014-15, our government will provide British Columbia with $4.17 billion through the Canada Health Transfer – an all-time high. Not only that, but this is more than $1.3 billion (a 49 per cent increase) than under the previous Liberal government.
These record transfers are providing long term, stable funding so that our health care system is there when Canadians need it. To ensure health funding for the provinces continues to grow in a sustainable way, transfers will grow in line with the economy starting in 2017 and is guaranteed to increase by at least three per cent.
Our government is working with all the provinces and territories to ensure the healthcare system is sustainable and delivering the care that Canadians need. In addition to transfers being at an all time high, we are also funding nearly 13,000 health researchers across Canada, and investing roughly $1 billion every year for health research.
Unlike the previous Liberal government which gutted healthcare funding, we have increased healthcare funding to historic levels. Through record transfers and significant investments in research and innovation, we are supporting all provinces and territories in delivering the quality of care that Canadians expect.
David Wilks, M.P.
Kootenay Columbia