Canada's Prime Minister Paul Martin, provincial prime ministers, and territorial leaders have reached a new, 10 year agreement on reforming the country's health system that will cost the federal government $C41.2bn (£17.7bn; $31.8bn; €26bn).

The deal promises reductions in patients' waiting times for access to the system; an increase in the number of health professionals; some short term home care and end of life services; increased funding and reforms for northern communities; a national pharmaceuticals strategy whereby patients would be covered for illnesses that had exceptionally high treatment costs; and a new immunisation programme for children.

The initial response from the Canadian Medical Association, nurses, pharmacists, and healthcare associations was positive. The president of the Canadian …