We garnered some valuable information from our discussions - including the fact that there is a national residency agreement (the Eligibility and Portability Agreement) across all jurisdictions (except Quebec), and that this is to protect the various provinces' health-care programs from misuse. It stems from people who live in one province, but want to seek perhaps better medical coverage in another. The criteria established and followed by all is that if someone is residing outside a particular territory/province (i.e. buys a house) not a day longer than six months, they become automatic residents of that new province. Thus, our problems with residency.

The following is a synopsis of our meetings to date. We will be travelling to New Brunswick in mid-September:

We also spent some time with Ontario's Minister Responsible for Seniors, the Honourable Carl DeFaria. Minister DeFaria expressed concern about Ontario's grades in the report card and offered advice on how to proceed with our initiatives. He has also expressed an interest in working with the CSA towards resolving the residency issue.

Prior to my arrival in Toronto, Ellen had the opportunity to speak with official Opposition Liberal leader Dalton McGuinty; deputy leader Sandra Pupatello; Liberal health critic Mike Brown; and policy analyst Karli Farrow. At this meeting, Mr. McGuinty not only gave his word, but also put into writing, his commitment to the principle of portability that Canadians should have health coverage outside of Canada, as well as when at home. They were also very interested in, and would like to follow up on the CSA's other report card recommendations.