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APRIL 9, 2015
ST
Includes G
Federal health transfers hashed out
DETACHMENT WELCOMES NEW MEMBER B1
LOCAL GYMNASTS TO COMPETE IN FINLAND A23
INSIDE
opinion A8 letters A9 entertainment A25 sports A21 community B1 classifieds B3
The voice of the South Cariboo since 1960 How to reach us: Ph: 250-395-2219 Fax: 250-395-3939 www.100milefreepress.net mail@100milefreepress.net
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100milefreepress.net
MEETING EASTER BUNNY FOR FIRST TIME
Cathy McLeod clarifies, political rivals criticize Carole Rooney Free Press
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP (KTC) Cathy McLeod, who is also Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, issued a news release on April 2 “set the record straight” about federal health care transfers to provinces. “Health transfers by the federal government to provinces and territories will reach $40 billion annually by the end of the decade. We remain committed to increasing health transfers year after year, making this the highest recorded health transfer dollars in history.” She explained total Canada Health Transfer (CHT) funding increase by six per cent between 2011 (when it was legislated) and 2016/17. Beginning in 2017/18, the total funding will increase with a three-year moving average in line with the nominal Gross Domestic Product and with a guaranteed minimum growth of three per cent per year, McLeod said. “Further, we need to make sure the system is sustainable. That is why [Health Minister CATHY Rona Ambrose] last June mCleod launched an Advisory Panel on Healthcare Innovation.” She noted the goal is to identify innovations with the potential to reduce growth in healthcare spending while improving quality and accessibility of care. The panel is expected to file its report by June, McLeod said. “I believe our government is clearly on track to create a more innovative, effective and financially sustainable health-care system.” However,(KTC) New Democrat candidate Bill Sundhu argued Canada needs a new health accord. “[Prime Minister Stephen] Harper’s agenda for health care is leading to the fragmentation of services. Increasingly, access to care depends on where you live.” The federal government contributed 50 per cent of health-care funding when Medicare began in 1966, and it is now at 20 per cent and continues to drop, he noted. Continued on A7
Ken Alexander photo
After waiting patiently, Chloe Winter, 5, was the first youngster to sit on Easter Bunny’s lap during the Easter Egg Hunt at the 108 Mile Community Hall on April 5. Co-hosted by the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association and the 108 Mile Ranch Lions Club, the event attracted a lot of families, and the youngest children hunted for eggs outside, while the older group whacked at a pinata or two inside the hall. Everyone went outside to greet Easter Bunny when she arrived on a 108 Mile Ranch Volunteer Fire Department truck.