Canada report

Premiers plead for health care money

More money is needed as a cure for Canada's health care system, provincial politicians are telling the federal government.

In advance of crucial meetings next month to determine the direction of the nation's health care system, leaders of Canada's provinces and territories held a strategy session in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

The premiers are generally not satisfied with the $9-billion funding plan offered by Prime Minister Paul Martin. They say more is needed while rejecting conditions on how they use the money.

"It would be totally wrong for the federal government to try to dictate or to guide or to administer the health care system," Quebec Premier Jean Charest said.

Instead, they want the federal government to pay its share of health care costs.

Private health care advocate Premier Ralph Klein of Alberta said he wants the government to contribute 25 percent of health funding.

Martin said his offer would do that with respect to spending for doctors and hospitals, the sectors covered by Medicare. Premiers, however, want other health costs covered too.

British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell said he expects the provinces will be responsible for "half-a-trillion dollars" to stabilize the system.

Florida and Quebec will work together on boosting economic ties as major trading partners.

While Quebec sends Florida "snowbirds" and goods, Florida is also looking for investment in the state by Canadians, Gov. Jeb Bush said in Montreal during a three-day trade mission.

"We are interrelated and fully integrated, and that will create benefit for more prosperity and more high wages for both Canada and the United States," Bush said.

Premier Jean Charest said investment in Florida presents a great opportunity for Quebec, which relies on exports to drive its economy.

Quebec agriculture officials say Alberta beef was the source of E. coli contamination that sickened several Quebecers. Contaminated meat sold at a supermarket in St-Eustache, north of Montreal, was traced to an Alberta packing company. An elderly Quebec woman died after eating bad meat, but her case and those of two other people who fell ill couldn't be traced to a particular source.

Vancouverites born in 2000 can expect to reach the age of 81 - almost five years longer than residents of the nickel-mining town of Sudbury, Ontario. Statistics Canada says a study shows Toronto, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton and Quebec placing highest for longevity behind Vancouver. At the bottom were Thunder Bay and St. John's, Newfoundland, just ahead of Sudbury. Canada's life span average was 79.4 years, fifth among 22 countries behind Japan, Switzerland, Iceland and Sweden.

It's three times lucky for Andre and Simone Barron of Timmins, Ontario, who have won more than $2.6-million. They picked up a check for $250,000 after winning the July 21 Lotto 6-49 Encore draw. They also won $2.4-million in 1997 and $25,000 in 1981, all in tax-free lottery cash.

The Canadian dollar is slightly lower at 75.66 U.S. cents, while the U.S. dollar returns $1.3217 Canadian, before bank exchange fees.

The Bank of Canada's key interest rate is 2 percent, while the prime lending rate is steady at 3.75 percent.

Stock markets were mixed, with Toronto's composite index higher at 8,437 points, and the Canadian Venture Exchange lower at 1,488 points.

Lotto 6-49: (Wednesday) 4, 8, 25, 29, 36 and 37; bonus 14. (July 24) 6, 13, 17, 19, 24 and 29; bonus 35.

The Ontario government is providing $5-million in initial assistance to residents of flood-ravaged Peterborough. Households hardest hit by the July 15 flood caused by heavy rain will each get $500 in interim assistance. Low-income families in "extreme financial difficulty" are eligible for up to $6,000 for expenses such as lost income, rent or special medical needs. Businesses, farm owners and nonprofit organizations can get up to $2,500. Insurance claims total $56-million from 4,300 households and businesses.

The British Columbia government will spend almost $5-million to expand day care spaces and improve child care programs. This will include a plan for nonworking families to send their children to preschool. Child care advocates say it's only a fraction of the money the government has cut from the services.

Jim Fox can be reached at canadareport@hotmail.com

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