February 20, 2023 – Government of PEI: Atlantic Premiers met today to discuss important regional and national issues, chart a course for regional collaboration in 2023, and celebrate the opening of the Canada Winter Games.
As the new Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island was joined by Premier Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick, Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia, and Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Two weeks ago, the Prime Minister presented his government’s proposal for increasing health care funding to provinces and territories, which Canada’s Premiers have agreed to accept. While the proposal does not address the long-term sustainability challenge facing health care in Canada, Premiers noted the benefits of bilateral agreements that provide flexibility and recognize the unique demographic and geographical challenges facing the Atlantic region in delivering health care services.
The bilateral funding will assist provinces in accelerating progress on their priorities such as access to primary care, reducing surgery backlogs, recruiting and retaining health care workers, and improving mental health and addictions care.
Read the full news release here