On Dec. 9, Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok joined 11 other provincial and territorial premiers in calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to hold a first ministerSA国际影视传媒檚 meeting on health in early 2023.

The news conference was led by Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson from Winnipeg, who spoke on the need for the federal government to go back to the 50/50 arrangement for healthcare funding it once had with the provinces and territories.

SA国际影视传媒淭he federal share of healthcare expenses is now down to just 22 per cent,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Stefanson highlighted the distinct needs and circumstances in each jurisdiction and the necessity of SA国际影视传媒渁dequate, stable and predictable fundingSA国际影视传媒� through the Canada Health Transfer.

SA国际影视传媒淎ll premiers are ready, willing and able to sit down as soon as possible,SA国际影视传媒� she added.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he and his colleagues will be ready to meet Trudeau by January.

The premiers who spoke all expressed the need for the federal government to better support the healthcare system.

SA国际影视传媒淚n every single province and territory, the healthcare system is facing very significant issues,SA国际影视传媒� said QuebecSA国际影视传媒檚 Francois Legault. SA国际影视传媒淚t is important the provinces and territories be united and that we speak in one, single, united voice to defend the autonomy that we have a right to.SA国际影视传媒�

Akeeagok alluded to the remoteness of Nunavut and the essential cooperation from jurisdictions to the south.

SA国际影视传媒淭he reliance we have on our southern partners is enormous, and weSA国际影视传媒檙e so thankful for the incredible partnership we do have (with) the premiers,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淓very Nunavummiut still requires specialized services that, unfortunately, we donSA国际影视传媒檛 have the capacity to do right here in Nunavut.SA国际影视传媒�

He expressed the need for unity among the provincial and territorial leaders.

SA国际影视传媒淭he significance and importance is for us is to support the unified voices that we see right across the premiers here.SA国际影视传媒�