On the eve of federal/provincial/territorial Health Ministers meetings in Winnipeg this week, the Hon. Marjorie Michel, federal Minister of Health, announced a one-year extension of federal health funding to provinces and territories for mental health, addictions services, and home and community care.
The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) is encouraged by this funding stability in key health care agreements for another year. This change aligns with the long-term care funding agreements expiry date and the federal government’s plan to reassess the Canada Health Transfer growth rate.
This new timeline for funding agreements creates the potential for federal, provincial and territorial governments to open discussions on longer-term funding formulas for health care. This follows the commitment from Prime Minister Mark Carney and premiers following the Council of the Federation meetings in July.
“As nurses, we are heartened by this federal move to keep funding flowing to programs and services that health care workers and their patients need,” Silas said. “We encourage health ministers to keep a broad view of the health care system in mind during their discussions this week. Enhancing public health care services and consulting with health care stakeholders who work within these systems is vital. Building Canada strong starts with a strong public health care system that is there for all!”