Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Finalize Agreement to Strengthen Health Care

ST. JOHN'S, Jan. 24, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada's universal, publicly funded health system is a source of pride for Canadians. The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories to strengthen health care and adapt the system to the changing needs of Canadians.

Today, the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador signed a bilateral agreement outlining how the province plans to invest its share of the targeted federal funding.  The agreement represents a fundamental shift in how the federal and provincial governments work together to advance shared health priorities.

This agreement will improve access to home and community care and mental health and addictions services. It will support the province's priorities to develop a Home First Integrated Network, implement a province-wide palliative care approach, and enhance home care for persons with dementia. The agreement will also help create a system of integrated mental health services for children, youth and emerging adults, introduce e-mental health services in the province, improve access to addictions services and improve community-based mental health services.

Through this agreement, Newfoundland and Labrador will invest approximately $72 million in targeted federal funding over five years. These activities are fully aligned with the objectives and the pan-Canadian priorities set out in the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities endorsed by the federal government, provinces* and territories in August 2017.

Quotes

"Today's announcement will improve access to vital services in Newfoundland and Labrador's healthcare system and will play an important role in the health and well-being of the people of the province. This agreement outlines how targeted funds for mental health and addictions services as well as home, community and palliative care will be invested and reported on for the coming years."

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

"Like other provinces and territories, we face pressure to ensure long-term system sustainability. For example, with an aging population and high rates of mental illness and chronic disease, we know we need to make targeted investments and get the best possible outcomes.  These federal investments have recognized the specific cost pressures impacting this province and demonstrate that we both share similar objectives in improving the overall health and well-being of our citizens."

Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Quick Facts

• The first agreement was signed with New Brunswick on December 15, 2017, and the federal government will conclude ‎bilateral agreements with all provinces and territories over the coming months.
• These agreements will demonstrate governments' shared commitment to delivering results.
• Canadians will see how targeted federal funding for home care and mental health will be invested in each province and territory and will be able to track progress based on a focused set of common indicators currently being developed.
• In 2021-22, these agreements will be renewed for the remaining five years of the ten-year commitment.
• In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada committed $11 billion over 10 years in new funding for provinces and territories to improve access to home care and mental health services for Canadians.

* The federal government has agreed to an asymmetrical arrangement with Quebec, distinct from the Common Statement of Principles.

Related Products
Backgrounder
Agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador 

Associated Links
Common Statement of Principles News Release
Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities

SOURCE Health Canada

Thierry Bélair, Office of Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations, Health Canada, 613-957-2983; Emily Timmins, Health and Community Services, 709-729-6986, 693-1292, [email protected]