Editor’s note: this letter is a reply to a letter published in the Mercury on April 27by Vicky O’Dell, federal NDP candidate for Souris-Moose Mountain
The Editor,
I would like to commend the Federal NDP Candidate, Vicky O’Dell, for her bravery in sharing her personal health story. Indeed, almost all Canadians, if not having fought the battle themselves, know someone who has been affected by the terrible disease that is cancer.
Our Conservative government is committed to a health-care system that is strong and sustainable. That’s why we’ve continued to provide the Canada Health Transfer, ensuring it grows to record levels over the coming years. It’s projected to grow at an annual rate of six per cent in the next two years. And it will grow in line with the growth of the economy, with a guaranteed increase of at least three per cent each year starting in 2017-18. Of course, it’s up to the provincial and territorial governments to ensure Canada’s health-care system is on a sustainable spending path.
But we know it is also important to support the caregivers of those going through a debilitating illness. It’s why, through Economic Action Plan 2015, we extended Employment Insurance Compassionate Care benefits from six weeks to six months. The Canadian Cancer Society said the move is “a critical step towards ensuring that family caregivers in Canada get the financial support they need.”
Our Conservative government is proud of Canada’s exceptional health-care system, and takes the health of all Canadians and their families very seriously.
Sincerely,
Ed Komarnicki
MP Souris-Moose Mountain
