Canada’s premier’s have written Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to accept the federal health transfer funding proposal outlined at a first ministers’ meeting on February 7th. But, while they’re accepting the deal, they’re looking for more from Ottawa.

As the letter outlines, while the premiers will accept the new deal, they are disappointed with the limited amount of new federal funding available.

They say further constructive discussions are needed to plan for the longer-term predictability and stability in health care that Canadians expect.

They are proposing that further detailed discussion take place with the deputy ministers of Intergovernmental Affairs in the coming weeks to discuss longer-term fiscal certainty for the territories, recognizing their unique circumstances.

They also want the so-called “fiscal cliff” caused by the scheduled expiry of bilateral health funding agreements for home and community care, mental health and substance use and long-term care to be addressed, as well as a new contemplated ten-year agreement on shared priority areas.

They also want to address the future path and adequacy of the Canada Health Transfer and escalator. To do so, they’re calling on Ottawa to establish a formal FPT review process for expiring bilateral health funding agreements by January of 2025.