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‘It’s most certainly a tax increase’: Manitoba premier considering health-care premiums

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Manitoba premier considering health-care premiums
WATCH: Global's Timm Bruch reports after Premier Brian Pallister said he's considering healthcare premiums for Manitobans. – Sep 14, 2017

Manitoba is looking at introducing health-care premiums which could mean hundreds of dollars more out of taxpayers pockets.

In a news conference Wednesday Premier Brian Pallister said Manitobans need to consider the possibility of paying health-care premiums or face cuts to services.

“There’s got to be an end at some point or we’ll have to shut down other departments of government to keep funding the health-care costs that we have,” Pallister said Wednesday.

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Pallister said any money made from the tax would go directly to the healthcare system. The health tax will be considered as part of its pre-budget consultations on a range of topics.

RELATED: ‘We’re very concerned’: Health care workers in Manitoba shocked with changes to health care system

If implemented the premium would be based on income.

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BC, Alberta and Ontario collect premiums from their residents.

RELATED: Province announces new organizational structure to Manitoba health services

In BC they cost the average person $78 per month or $936 dollars per year. In a house of two or more the premium can hit as high as $1,872 annually.

Alberta re-introduced premiums in 2015 but only on incomes over $50,000.

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