Premier Heather Stefanson to Lead Canada's Premiers
September 27, 2022

Premier Heather Stefanson became chair of the Council of the Federation, following a teleconference of Canada’s premiers today.

The premiers discussed the health-care concerns of all Canadians and the urgent need for a meeting with the prime minister to establish a new and sustainable health-care funding partnership. As chair, Stefanson will lead Canada’s premiers and advance this critically important and ongoing work, while addressing other issues that matter most to Canadians including affordability challenges and labour shortages.

“When we work together across the country we can accomplish great things for all our communities,” said Stefanson. “We have a historic opportunity to build a sustainable and more resilient health-care system – with more health-care workers – to better address the needs of all Canadians. All premiers continue to call on the prime minister to effectively collaborate with us in funding the necessary action that all Canadians so urgently expect and deserve.”

Stefanson noted that strengthening the federal immigration system, improving international recruitment, enhancing labour mobility and increasing federal recognition of foreign credentials will all be key to addressing health-care and other labour market shortages in Manitoba and across the country.

Investing in critical infrastructure projects is also crucial for creating jobs and necessary for Canada’s economic recovery and growth, the premier added. Additionally, global economic pressures and the increased cost of living continue to be a concern for all premiers.

“It’s important we listen and respond to the needs and concerns of Canadians, and I look forward to collaborating with all premiers to identify solutions and take necessary action to improve the health and well-being of all Canadians,” said Stefanson.

Manitoba looks forward to hosting the next summer meeting of Canada’s premiers from July 10 to 12, 2023, in Winnipeg, Stefanson noted.

The premier thanked outgoing chair, British Columbia Premier John Horgan, for his leadership at the Council of the Federation and his dedication and service to the people of B.C. and all Canadians. Stefanson wished the B.C. premier and his family well in their next chapters as Horgan retires from public office later this fall.

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