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Bloc leader calls on Trudeau to hold summit on health transfers with premiers

Last Updated Sep 22, 2021 at 11:30 am MDT

Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet arrives for his a press conference Wednesday, September 22, 2021 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

MONTREAL — Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to convene a summit with his provincial and territorial counterparts to discuss federal health transfers.

Blanchet held his first news conference today since Monday’s election, which brought no significant changes to the distribution of seats in the House of Commons and gave the Liberals another minority government.

The Bloc leader notes premiers have asked Ottawa for an immediate $28-billion injection into their struggling health-care systems.

Blanchet adds that he has spoken to Quebec Premier François Legault and Ontario Premier Doug Ford since the election, and he says both told him health-care funding from Ottawa is a priority.

He says the election results indicate voters think a minority Parliament can function properly and they expect leaders to work together.

Blanchet, whose party is elected or leading in 34 of Quebec’s 78 seats, is also calling for the House of Commons to be rapidly reconvened.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2021.

The Canadian Press