FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24, 2014

OTTAWA – With the 2004 Health Care Accord set to expire in one week, New Democrats are pressing the Conservative government to show leadership and work with provinces and territories to improve our public health care system.

“The new funding formula that the Conservatives unilaterally adopted two years ago is threatening one of the most prized public services for Canadians,” said Health critic Libby Davies (Vancouver – East).

Instead of negotiating a new Health Accord, Conservatives are downloading heath care costs onto the provinces and turning their backs on a system that Canadians have relied on for generations. As a result, we will see increased disparities across the country—longer wait times, reduced-front-line services, and lack of access to home and long term care.

“This is simply unacceptable. The government has a responsibility to ensure quality health care for all of its citizens,” added Deputy critic Dany Morin (Chicoutimi – Le Fjord).