Canada is taking a momentous stride towards a healthcare system that provides timely access to crucial services, regardless of location, with a commitment to invest approximately $200 billion over a decade in support of the “Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians” plan.
This historic investment comprises $25 billion designated for tailored bilateral agreements with provinces and territories, an assured 5% increase in the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) for the next five years, totaling $17.2 billion, and a one-time CHT top-up of $2 billion, directed towards addressing the urgent needs of emergency rooms and pediatric hospitals, scheduled for delivery in June 2023. Together, these investments empower provinces and territories with the flexibility to cater to the distinctive requirements of their populations and geographic regions, enabling the acceleration of improvements within the healthcare system.
In a significant development, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), representing the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Canada’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, were joined by the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health of British Columbia, and the Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions of British Columbia, to announce a transformative bilateral agreement. This agreement, encompassing over $1.2 billion in funding over the forthcoming three years, marks a pivotal milestone in a 10-year plan for collaborative healthcare enhancement.
The agreement features annual new funding of $325 million from the Government of Canada, bolstered by an ongoing commitment of $82 million per year, previously announced for mental health and substance use funding. These substantial resources will expedite ongoing efforts in British Columbia, fostering improved access and services in the healthcare sector.
This monumental accord underscores Canada’s unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare access and services, making strides toward a healthcare system that meets the needs of its diverse population, and ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all Canadians.
