Minister Aglukkaq streamlines northern health funding processes

Factsheet: The Northern Wellness Approach

IQALUIT, NT, April 17, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, with the Honourable Keith Peterson, Minister of Health and Social Services, Government of Nunavut, today announced a new approach to health funding that addresses the unique challenge of delivering health promotion and disease prevention programs in the North.

"The Northern Wellness Approach recognizes the uniqueness of northern communities and supports the goals of Canada's Northern Strategy," said Minister Aglukkaq. "The North's greatest resource is the people who live and work here and this approach maximizes investments by aligning federal, territorial and community priorities."

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada developed an innovative contribution agreement with the Government of Nunavut that combines funding for several community-based health promotion and disease prevention programs into one agreement.

"The Government of Nunavut is pleased that the Government of Canada has taken this innovative step," said Minister Peterson. "The Northern Wellness Approach helps provide the flexibility required to allow us to focus on what really matters - providing programs that make a difference in the lives and health of Nunavummiut."

The five-year agreement provides funding for Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada community-based programs covering three broad areas: children and families, mental wellness, and healthy living.

These programs aim to improve the health outcomes of individuals, families and communities in the North. The new approach, which came into effect April 1, 2012 in Nunavut, enables the Government of Nunavut to focus more on community wellness and less on administrative processes.

Également disponible en français

Media Enquiries:     
Health Canada
[phone]

Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
[phone]

Public Enquiries:
Health Canada
[phone]
1-866 225-0709

Health Canada news releases are available on the Internet at
www.healthcanada.gc.ca/media