Manitobans must pay health premiums or face cuts to services: premier
WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister says people have a choice: Start paying health-care premiums like residents in some other jurisdictions or prepare to see services cut.
“We’re asking Manitobans what they would suggest we do, given the reality of the situation,” Pallister said Wednesday as he announced the start of annual pre-budget public consultations.
“With the reality that the federal government’s transfer support is reduced … this is the reality we have to face. It’s a stark reality but it’s the reality.”
The premium would be tied to income levels, Pallister said, and be similar to ones in British Columbia and Ontario where adults pay up to $900 a year each.