By Lincoln DePradine

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Toronto Tuesday, meeting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford for discussions that focused heavily on healthcare.

Shannon Whitteker, cultural press secretary in the Office of the Premier, told The Caribbean Camera that the two leaders not only discussed “the current pressures on the healthcare system’’, but also “housing, labour market shortages, immigration, and other shared priorities’’.

The prime minister did not speak to reporters after the one-hour meeting. However, Ford did and emphasized that both provincial and federal governments recognize that healthcare improvements are required for a system run ragged by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We agree that the status quo is not working,” Ford said.

Although Trudeau did not speak to the media after the meeting, he emphasized beforehand how much his federal Liberals have co-operated with Ford’s Progressive Conservatives throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

“I know Canadians want to see the orders of government working together,” Trudeau said during a brief photo op, “and I’m always looking for that.’’

LJI Reporter