Canada’s health ministers are calling for more federal support for cannabis legalization – and any potential national pharmacare program that will be developed.

Meeting in Winnipeg, health ministers from several provinces said federal transfer payments are not keeping pace with growing health-care costs.

Manitoba’s Kelvin Goertzen said he’s disappointed Ottawa hasn’t released an extensive public awareness campaign – to warn Canadians about the dangers associated with cannabis consumption.

Saskatchewan’s Jim Reiter said the provinces like the concept of a pharmacare program – but the federal government would have to pay its share.

Quebec’s Gaetan Barrette says the big question on all health issues – is whether the federal government will help pay for new initiatives.

Federal Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor is scheduled to join the meeting on Friday.