N.B. Premier Blaine Higgs participates in a media availability on Sept. 28
A virtual meeting of the Council of Atlantic Premiers covered many of the most troubling issues affecting Atlantic Canadians.
Creating a collaborative approach between healthcare systems proved to be the main area of focus for the provincial leaders.
“Our agreement was basically that we want to identify common priorities and then move forward in what would be like a health accord,” said New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs during a virtual scrum with reporters.
The premiers have yet to finalize any plans but will bring forward their priorities to improve health care service at their next meeting.
Higgs said they want to ensure healthcare workers in Atlantic Canada have comparable salaries and benefits, as well as the ability to work in any of the four provinces without concerns over provincial certifications.
In addition, the health accord would eliminate any overlap in specialized services.
Atlantic Premiers also seek enhanced funding from the federal government through the Canada Health Transfer.
Known for its ageing demographic, the premier said Atlantic Canada carries a larger financial burden in terms of healthcare costs. However, he stopped short of suggesting more cash from Parliament Hill would solve all the issues.
“History has shown that just putting more money in the system does not solve the problem,” said Higgs.
He said that issues in the healthcare system existed long before the pandemic and have only been magnified by COVID-19.
The council met virtually after the in-person meeting planned for Moncton was scrapped due to a spike in COVID-19 cases.
