REMARKS BY PRIME MINISTER JEAN CHRÉTIEN

at a Press Conference

January 15, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

Good morning.

I am happy to be here to accept Jim Munson’s invitation to wish Happy New Year to all of his former friends. We are embarking on a very busy agenda in the days and weeks ahead.

We begin the year with a very strong economy. Last year, the Canadian economy created 560,000 new jobs ... the most in a single year since 1988. This is in sharp contrast to the United States where the employment growth was flat in 2002. This record is impressive. In terms of job creation, Canada has outperformed the United States by a wide margin. In the last two years, the U.S. lost 1.9 million jobs while Canada created almost 600,000 new jobs.

Today, all the economic indicators are strong. The country is prosperous. Canadians are confident. They are optimistic.

In September 2000, the Federal and provincial governments signed a health accord. Since then the country’s health care system has improved. But we have had a number of important studies recommending further change, to build on what we have already achieved.

Today, I would like to announce that I am convening a First Ministers Meeting on health care renewal. We will meet in Ottawa February 4^th and 5^th, starting with a dinner, at 24 Sussex on the 4^th and continuing the next day.

This meeting will set the course of health care renewal for years to come. Canadians expect their leaders to work together to modernize public medicare. To renew our public health care system. To demonstrate real progress. To ensure timely access to quality care. In a sustainable way.

Canadians expect new investments to buy real change. Not more of the same. Canadians want improved access to care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Canadians want expanded public support for health care wherever it is provided – in a hospital, in a community clinic or at home.

Canadians want improved access to diagnostic equipment. And Canadians want transparency and accountability from their governments on how health investments achieve outcomes.

So health care and the preparation of a successful First Ministers Meeting is a top priority for me. I will work co-operatively and in partnership with other First Ministers. I expect the same co-operation and partnership from them. Canadians deserve no less. This is the time for action not for rhetoric.

When the House of Commons returns at the end of the month, we will be introducing significant legislation to reform the financing of political parties.

We, in public life, in democracies, have an obligation to address growing cynicism towards government.

We must deal with the perception that money can buy undue influence. We will bring about real reform and add more credibility to the Canadian political process.

In the third or fourth week of February, the Minister of Finance will bring down his budget. A budget that will continue to demonstrate the fiscal responsibility that has been a hallmark of this government. And with the strength of our economy, it will be a budget that will implement the Throne Speech Agenda. For health. For learning. For child poverty. For the environment. For infrastructure. For Aboriginal Canadians. For international assistance.

In recent days, I have been speaking to leaders of other countries. About international affairs. And of course about Iraq.

Canada supports Resolution 1441 of the United Nations Security Council, which called on Iraq to divest itself of its weapons of mass destruction. And which deployed UN inspectors to verify.

We believe that Iraq can avoid a disastrous war if it takes the necessary steps to disarm. Iraq must conform with Resolution 1441. And the inspectors must have the time to do their job.

If the international community decides that the use of force against Iraq is necessary because it is the only way to bring an end to Iraqi non compliance, Canada would do its part.

The Canadian position is that on matters of peace and security, the international community must speak and act through the UN Security Council.

I am ready to take your questions.

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