Alternatives North is a member organization of the Coalition and entirely supports its call for the federal government to return to the negotiating table to finalize a new national health accord that reflects a greater commitment by Canada to pay its share to support Medicare.

Speaking on behalf of Alternatives North, Ben McDonald says that the northern social justice coalition is disappointed that the GNWT felt compelled to sign a bilateral health agreement with the federal government.

“It seems that none of the territories or smaller provinces have the resources or clout to stand up to the Liberal government in these negotiations,” he said. “Nevertheless, Alternatives North encourages the GNWT to continue to press for a truly national health accord. That is the only way to ensure that Medicare continues as a unified national program, not a Balkanized hodgepodge with 13 separate and different provincial and territorial health systems. That would spell the end of Medicare.”

Read the Media Release and Joint Statement