Later this month I look forward to meeting with Health Ministers from across Canada along with the new federal Minister of Health. As part of our annual two day meeting we have the opportunity to discuss the common areas of concern that provinces have related to healthcare in Canada.

There are a number of issues that will be discussed with my Canadian health minister colleagues including issues around chronic disease and the opioid crisis in Canada. Manitoba is also looking forward to leading a discussion on how we can better work together in planning and purchasing of medical equipment for our provincial health care systems.

As a province we continue to press for the federal government to recognize that we need a true financial partner in healthcare in the federal government and that the decision by Ottawa to fund a lower portion of healthcare costs in Canada will have a negative impact on Canadians. I look forward to reporting back to you following the meeting on the outcomes.