Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. The short answer is yes, the government has always been willing to work with the provinces and territories not only to provide funding but also to contribute to creating a national vision for health care that delivers for all Canadians.

The government knows that the health care systems in Canada — because there are as many as there are provinces and territories — are facing significant challenges and that the only way out of this is to work together.

The government remains ready to work with provinces and territories to further discuss health care priorities, including pediatric care. That is the aim. The government is hoping it has the collaboration of the provinces to reduce backlogs, support health care workers, enhance access to family health services and — using the data that is gathered by the provinces with our digital technologies — better serve Canadians going forward.