Canada and Manitoba Reach Agreement on Targeted Health Funding

OTTAWA, Aug. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's public health care system is a source of pride. The Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba are committed to ensuring that it is there to meet the needs of Canadians.

Today, the federal government and the Government of Manitoba agreed to new targeted federal funding over 10 years for investments in home and community care and mental health and addictions. This reflects the federal government's Budget 2017 national commitment to provide $11 billion over 10 years in new federal investments in these areas.

Over the next 10 years, the federal government will provide Manitoba with its respective share of the $11 billion investment in these areas, which amounts to an additional $399.6 million:

• $218.0 million for better home and community care; and
• $181.6 million in support of initiatives to address mental health and addictions.

Funding will begin to flow to Manitoba immediately, in the 2017-18 fiscal year. In the coming months, the federal and Manitoba governments will also work collaboratively to develop a bilateral agreement outlining how federal funds for home and community care and mental health and addictions will be used, along with performance indicators and the details of accountability and annual public reporting, consistent with the approach envisaged in the Common Statement of Shared Health Priorities being released today by all federal, provincial and territorial governments.

As a result of these investments, it is expected that wait times for mental health services for children and youth will be improved and that the number of patients in hospital who could be supported and better cared for at home or in the community will be reduced.

The Government of Canada also agreed to provide an additional $5 million in health care funding to Manitoba in 2017-18 to assist the Government of Manitoba's pursuit of health care improvements in specific areas the province has identified as critical. The Government of Manitoba has indicated its intention to use these funds to combat kidney disease—recognizing that Manitoba has one of the highest rates of kidney failure in the country, affecting more people per capita than in any other province—and as part of its ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis.

In addition, the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba agreed to work together with Indigenous organizations and governments to pursue improvements in health care service delivery for remote Indigenous communities, with particular emphasis on transportation challenges and procurement.

Quotes

"I am pleased that our government and the Government of Manitoba have reached an agreement on targeted mental health and home care funding over the next 10 years. These investments and commitments to our shared priorities will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of Manitobans."

The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Health

"Our government is focused on true partnerships to secure an improved and sustainable health care system for all Manitobans. Investments in home and community care, mental health and addictions, and other critical areas will advance these goals and make a difference in the lives of people in need."

The Honourable Kelvin Goertzen
Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living

SOURCE Health Canada

For further information: Andrew MacKendrick, Office of Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Andrea Slobodian, Office of Kelvin Goertzen, Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living, 204-945-1494; Media Relations, Health Canada, 613-957-2983; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866 225-0709