Replies from the office of the Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, Federal Minister of Health

1. In your opinion, what is the role of the federal government in health care?

Our Government has a clear and strong commitment to health care.  We actively support a publicly funded, universally accessible system that respects the principles of the Canada Health Act. Federal funding for health care has reached historic levels.  With Budget 2012, we have put the Canada Health Transfer on a sustainable long-term growth track, reaching at least $40 billion by 2020 21. This will provide provinces and territories with the certainty and flexibility they need to address current priorities and to plan for the future. We also work with our partners to support health care innovation, with annual investments of over $1 billion in research and system improvement.  And we play a direct role in promoting healthy lifestyles and regulating health and consumer products to reduce health risks. These federal actions and investments in health care are helping to keep Canada’s health care system strong so that Canadians can get the care they need, when they need it.

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