Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau says his government would pump $6 billion into provincial and territorial healthcare systems.
Trudeau made the announcement at Halifax’s Dalhousie University on Monday morning during his tour of the East Coast as the federal election campaign continues.
He says the money would be used to make improvements to the system and help to reduce long wait lists.
Trudeau says he respects it’s a provincial jurisdiction, but adds he has heard the calls for help.
“Health care is a responsibility of the provinces, and we will always respect that,” Trudeau says. “We’re stepping up as a federal government because we know you need to get care when and where you need it. At the end of the day, that’s what really matters to Canadians.”
He also promised an additional $3 billion investment to help hire at least 7,500 more family doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners.
Meantime, Trudeau used the campaign stop to encourage Nova Scotians to make sure they’re double-vaxxed.
“Here in Nova Scotia you stepped up on vaccines in a big way,” Trudeau says. “In fact, you’ve got one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. That’s incredible, keep it up.”
Trudeau advises now is the time to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t yet, saying it’s the best way to protect one another.
Meantime, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is Montreal for a climate change announcement and Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole will hold two virtual town halls in Manitoba and Ontario.
