Advertisement

B.C. becomes first province to sign health deal with federal government, worth $1.2 billion

Click to play video: 'B.C. announces health funding from provincial government'
B.C. announces health funding from provincial government
Health Minister Adrian Dix said at a press conference Tuesday that the B.C. government has signed the first health deal with the federal government that is worth $1.2 billion. It will be given to B.C. over three years – Oct 10, 2023

The B.C. government has become the first province to sign an individual health deal with the federal government.

The deal, worth $1.2 billion, is part of a tailored funding agreement of the $196-billion health accord Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered provinces earlier this year.

The federal government will provide the funds to B.C. over three years.

Click to play video: 'B.C. government to streamline process for recognition of foreign professional certifications'
B.C. government to streamline process for recognition of foreign professional certifications

This three-year plan includes developing a model of care at 83 acute care sites throughout B.C., more access to mental health and addiction services, including expanding the number of Foundry centres from 16 to 35 across the province and reducing 30-day re-admissions for mental illness and substance use.

Story continues below advertisement

The province has also agreed to work with the First Nations Health Authority to improve access to culturally appropriate and trauma-informed treatment and care.

“It is clear that Canadians want and deserve better access to health services, and we need to act now to address the challenges in front of us,” Canada’s minister of health, Mark Holland, said in a release.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“Reaching this agreement and action plan is a significant step in our collaboration with British Columbia to take measurable action to transform our health care system. Together with all provinces and territories, we will continue working to achieve better health outcomes for everyone.”

More to come.

Sponsored content

AdChoices