ARCHIVES Manitoba Health Minister Theresa Oswald

Manitoba Health Minister Theresa Oswald Dept: Whenever there is a funding dispute in an area of shared jurisdiction, it is generally accepted that you never volunteer to increase your contribution to cover a shortfall in the interim. As soon as one level of government starts funding a previously cost-shared program, there really is no more negotiation. You blinked, and now you have to pay for it, according to Winnipeg Free Press. Why, then, would Manitoba Health Minister Theresa Oswald step up to fund extended health benefits for privately sponsored refugees, a program Ottawa previously funded? It is fair to conclude compassion played a key role and rUTH BONNEVILLE / ARCHIVES Manitoba Health Minister Theresa Oswald says the province will now fund refugees health benefits. Not blinking usually means the people using the service or program in dispute end up suffering. For example, the provinces have fought with Ottawa over legal-aid funding. The federal government, at one time, covered half the total cost; today, it pays 20 per cent. The provinces have increased their share, but more is needed. With both sides refusing to blink, it's unlikely it will ever be adequately funded. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.