NEWS RELEASE

Ref: 860-383/05

Provincial-Territorial Conference of Ministers of Health
Regina, Saskatchewan - September 16-17, 1998

NEWS RELEASE

REGINA -- Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Health have concluded their September 16-17 annual meeting in Regina. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a financially sustainable, publicly funded health care system that meets the needs of all Canadians. They discussed a number of issues of vital importance to all Canadians and agreed to look at common approaches on a number of initiatives, including the following:

• Health care funding was identified as the number one priority for Ministers. Ministers insisted that the Federal Government must restore the $6.2 billion in cuts to the Canadian Health and Social Transfer (CHST) made since 1995-96. Provinces and territories stressed the need for adequate, stable and predictable funding for core health services.
• Members of the Canadian Blood Services Board of Directors met with Ministers and provided an update on the transfer of the blood supply system. Ministers expressed confidence that the Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec will meet Canadians' expectations for a blood supply that is safe, secure, open and accountable.
• Ministers continued their discussions on the issue of Hepatitis C financial assistance for those outside of the 1986-90 period. They agreed that it is impossible for provinces and territories to move forward on the issue until the federal government states its position and they look forward to that position being clarified.
• Ministers received an update on British Columbia's tobacco prevention and education initiatives. The province outlined its goals to protect children from tobacco marketing and to hold tobacco companies accountable for health care costs arising from smoking. Deputy Ministers were asked to develop a plan to more aggressively implement tobacco reduction measures in all provinces and territories.
• Ontario reported on its project to evaluate the current fees paid to physicians for medical services and to permit comparisons across all services and to address any distortions which may have developed over time. Ministers agreed to work collaboratively, given the changes in the value of various services due to technology and other factors.
• Ministers called on the federal government to accept full treaty, historical, constitutional and fiduciary responsibilities for Aboriginal people both on and off reserves. At a minimum, Ottawa should provide a level of health care on reserve comparable to that in surrounding communities. Ministers urge the federal government to work with provinces and territories to improve the health of First Nations' people both on and off reserves.
• Ministers agreed to work together to explore initiatives to address a broad range of human resources issues, including ways to better recruit and retain health professionals in rural areas.
• Improving the health and development of youth is a priority and Ministers affirmed the importance of collaborative efforts to develop an integrated children's agenda.
• Provinces and territories will look for common approaches to deal with Y2000 computer problems and to develop common standards for the introduction of new health information technologies.

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