Monday January 4, 2022 | LANGFORD, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Today Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with British Columbia Premier and Chair of the Council of the Federation John Horgan.
The two leaders discussed the impacts of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in Canada. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the Government of Canada will continue to work closely with provinces and territories to reduce the health, economic, and social impacts of this new variant, which is rapidly spreading across the country. He indicated he will convene another call with all premiers next week to discuss how governments are working together to keep Canadians safe.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Horgan also discussed the Canada Health Transfer, and agreed to continue discussions with all provincial and territorial governments to ensure Canadians are supported by effective health-care systems.
Premier Horgan provided an update on British Columbia’s significant recovery and rebuilding efforts following the extreme weather events that impacted families, businesses, and communities last November. The two leaders discussed the successful first meeting of the Committee of British Columbia and Federal Ministers on Disaster Response and Climate Resilience that was held on December 13, 2021, and noted that a second meeting will take place later this month.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Horgan agreed to remain in contact on these issues in the coming weeks.
Last year Trudeau and Horgan also met to discuss $10-a-day child care. BC was the first of Canada’s provinces and territories to sign on to the federal support for that program.
===== RELATED:
Premier Horgan’s New Year’s message for 2022 (December 31, 2021)
Canada Health Transfer top of mind for Premier Horgan into 2022 (December 12, 2021)
Premiers pushing for Canada Health Transfer increase, says Horgan (September 23, 2021)
Horgan: exploring health funding transfer timely, BC immunization program complex (March 5, 2021)