February 23rd 2023 | Ottawa, Ontario
On Feb 7th, the government of Canada recently announced an investment of $198.6 billion over 10 years. Overall, better action is needed to deliver better health care for Canadians. The investment over 10 years, including to enhance Canadians’ access to health care, $46.2 billion in additional money is included. To alleviate acute stresses on the healthcare system, this financing consists of an immediate, unrestricted $2 billion Canada Health Transfer (CHT) top-up.
Today, February 23rd the Canadian and New Brunswick governments are moving forward by announcing an agreement in principle for a shared plan that will invest $3.64 billion in federal funding over 10 years in New Brunswick, including $900 million for a new bilateral agreement focusing on shared health care priorities and $42 million through the immediate, one-time CHT top-up to address urgent needs, particularly in pediatric hospitals and emergency rooms, and long-term care facilities. This decision will be beneficial to residents of New Brunswick now have access to better healthcare, which includes:
- high-quality family health services.
- supported health care services. for their needs.
- access to prompt, fair, and high-quality services for mental health, drug use, and addiction
Quotes.
“Today’s agreement in principle with New Brunswick is an opportunity to continue our collaboration and improve the experience of health workers and those they care for. It will modernize our healthcare system, improve access to family health services and mental health services, reduce surgical backlogs and support health workers. Better quality of care means helping New Brunswick residents and Canadians live longer, healthier lives.”
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
“Today’s agreement in principle with New Brunswick builds on our shared objective of ensuring all Canadians, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay can access the care they need when they need it. Our government will continue to work with our partners across the country to build a better health care system.”
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“Mental health is health, and through this agreement in principle, we will be working with New Brunswick to integrate mental health and substance use care as a full and equal part of our universal health care system. This agreement will help to provide greater access to mental health services, reduce substance use harms, and lower stigma. Together, we must ensure that all Canadians have access to supports and services for their mental health and well-being – when they need them, wherever they need them.”
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Associate Minister of Health
“New Brunswick has been taking important action to address the challenges in the provincial health care system. We’re pleased to have an agreement and look forward to negotiating a deal that will help support efforts to improve health care for all Canadians.”
The Honourable Bruce Fitch
New Brunswick Health Minister