New accord, opioid abuse, Indigenous health on agenda as ministers meet

A new health accord is expected to be at the top of the agenda when provincial and territorial health ministersmeet on Monday in Toronto.

The ministersare expected todiscussfiscal health care challenges before Federal Health Minister Jane Philpottjoins them on Tuesday.

The provinces are putting pressureon Ottawa to boost its annual cash transfers beyond next year's planned increase of three per cent.

Ontario says more money needed

Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins said in news releasethatthe planned increase isnot enough to support aging populations and changing demographics.

The Trudeaugovernment, when it was elected, promised the provinces $3-billionover the next four yearsfor home and community care.

Hoskins wants to make sure Ottawa keeps its promise.

"I'm confident that all parties around the table understand theimportanceof ensuring the realization of that commitment," he said.

Opioidabuse at issue

Access to prescription drugs will also be discussed.

A recent report by Health Quality Ontario shows "significant gaps" in the province's health care, highlightingthe fact thatlow income families, new immigrants and addicts can't access the medications they need.

Ministers will also look at developing a national plan to tackleopioidabuse.

Ontario launched a comprehensive provincial strategy last week that includes expanding access toSuboxone, a drug that helps treatopioidaddiction.

• Ontario makes safer treatment drug widely available under strategy to battle 'growing opioid crisis'

Indigenous health priorities are also on the agenda.

In January, health ministers pledged to work with Indigenous leaders to improve the coordination and continuity of health services.