Prior to meeting with premiers, Singh meets with Trudeau to discuss private health care

In preparation for the summit with premiers next week, Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the federal NDP, said he will have a conversation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Thursday afternoon about private health care.

To discuss a new healthcare funding agreement, Trudeau is scheduled to meet with provincial and territory leaders in Ottawa on Tuesday.

Now, according to Singh, is the time for the Liberal government to make it clear that support for private healthcare facilities won't help Canada's ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals.

Although health care is a matter of provincial regulation, the NDP leader asserts that the federal government may use the Canada Health Act more aggressively to challenge for-profit treatment.

This afternoon, Singh is also expected to ask for an urgent House of Commons discussion on healthcare privatization.

The debate might start Thursday evening if the request is approved.