July 17, 2015
Canada's Premiers Meeting Ends on Positive Note: Premier Selinger
ST. JOHN’S—The Manitoba government continues to raise issues of importance for Manitoba families at the national level following another successful Canada’s Premiers meeting in Newfoundland and Labrador, Premier Greg Selinger announced here today.
“Manitobans expect us to advocate for their priorities at the national level and to work in partnership with our provincial and territorial neighbours to increase job opportunities here at home and protect the front-line services they count on,” the premier said.
All premiers stood together in calling on the federal government to take action to respond to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and to call a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, the premier noted.
The premier said that energy and climate change were a major focus of the meetings and he is pleased that all premiers supported a Canadian Energy Strategy, which demonstrates the commitment of provinces and territories to strengthen the economy and protect the environment while creating good jobs. Provinces and territories must work together to find innovative and practical ways to promote energy security and economic growth while addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, he added.
“While we make investments to increase Manitoba’s supply of affordable, clean hydroelectricity and create good jobs here at home, the Canadian Energy Strategy provides a framework to work on lowering greenhouse gases, increasing renewable energy sources and moving towards a lower carbon economy,” said Premier Selinger.
The premier added the importance of Canada’s social programs remains top of mind for Manitobans and said that he expects the federal government to take steps to address a number of issues including:
- increasing federal funding through the Canada Health Transfer so the federal share of Canada’s health-care costs is at least 25 per cent of all health-care spending;
- workingtoward a national pharmacare program to ensure Canadians have access to safe, effective and affordable drugs when needed, much like the system that already exists in Manitoba;
- expanding the Canada Pension Plan to ensure that retiring workers have the supports they need to live a fulfilling life after employment; and
- developing a national, affordable child-care program.
The premier noted that he will continue to advocate on behalf of the interests of Manitoba families to ensure they benefit from federal infrastructure investments.
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