How should Ottawa adjust its health-care funding?

Canada's premiers and territorial leaders are split when it comes to the federal government's plans to change the way health care transfer payments increase after 2014.

(Right to left) British Columbia Premier Christy Clark addresses a news conference as premiers Darrell Dexter of Nova Scotia, Greg Selinger of Manitoba and Robert Ghiz of P.E.I. look on following a meeting of the Council of the Federation in Vancouver on July 22, 2011. (Jonathan Hayward/CP)Currently, Ottawa's share of health-care money increases at a constant rate of six per cent a year.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced last month that Ottawa will guarantee the six per cent increases until the 2016-17 fiscal year. After that, the annual increase will be tied to the nominal GDP, but will be at least three per cent.

Quebec Premier Jean Charest said there was no consultation with the premiers about the new funding arrangement, which he said is unprecedented, at least in his career.

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark has expressed concern about the move to per-capita funding that is set to come in after 2014, and says she wants it tied to age because seniors cost more for the health-care system.

How do you think Ottawa should adjust its health-care funding? Should the six per cent increase be maintained? Is paying proportional to population fair, or should provinces with older populations get more? Let us know what you think.



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