McGuinty wants a new long-term deal on health care

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty is calling on the federal government to work with the provinces to deliver a new long-term deal on health care. That's the message he delivered today during a speech to the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.

PHOTO CREDIT - OntarioLiberal.ca

Ottawa - Jul. 28, 2011 - Ontario is calling on the federal government to work with the provinces to deliver a new long-term deal on health care.

That's the message Premier Dalton McGuinty delivered today during a speech to the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.

Ontario welcomes Ottawa's recent commitment to 6 per cent increases in health transfers, but Ontario is also seeking a long-term commitment from the federal government - who pay only 23 per cent of Ontario's health costs.

Further health care reforms are needed to meet the needs of Ontario's rapidly aging population. A new long-term deal should focus on giving seniors more options in their homes and communities.

Ontario has made significant progress in health care. This is in part because the current health accord invested in strategic reforms such as wait times and access to care. In fact, Ontario is now a national leader in reducing wait times and 94 per cent of Ontarians have a family doctor.

"Ontario is moving forward with improvements to our health care system. We can do even more with a strong federal partner. The renewal of long-term funding for health care will be the most important issue facing our governments in the coming years," said Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario.

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