Having touted the importance of letting Manitobans keep more of their hard earned money, blaming the previous government for not holding a referendum over tax increases and promising to not cut front-line services in health-care, Premier Brian Pallister said on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, that Manitoba residents need to consider paying health-care premiums or face cuts to services.
In a pre-budget consultation survey, Manitobans are asked to give their opinion on controlling marijuana use, sustaining health-care and balancing the budget.
[jaw_quote author=”Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen” ]Sustaining health care is the top priority of Manitobans. Here is a chance to say directly what your suggestions are to secure health-care services for patients and families. A health-care premium is one option we want Manitobans to give their views on.[/jaw_quote][jaw_clear]
A health-care premium could equate to a tax in the hundreds of dollars per year per family.
Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia charge health-care premiums. In Ontario, an individual pays up to $900 annually for premium health-care fees. In British Columbia, the rates for 2017 also range up to $900 annually for an individual and double that for a family. In Alberta incomes over $50,000 pay premiums ranging from $200 to $1000 annually. Alberta reintroduced premiums in 2015 after stopping them in 2008. The additional premium fees bring in an estimated $530 million to Alberta coffers every year.
The survey the province is asking Manitobans to fill out is part of the pre-budget process.
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Pallister said in a statement “These consultations give Manitobans a real voice in the choices their government makes on their behalf and we want to hear from everyone as we plan ahead.” The premier also said that although the premium would be a form of tax it wouldn’t be an increase to income tax or PST so there would not be a referendum over its implementation.
The province did not indicate what range of fees Manitobans will be expected to pay for health-care premiums if or when a paid health system begins.
LINK | Survey
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