Press Release
From: Health Canada
December 19, 2023 | Cornwall, Prince Edward Island
Canadians want and deserve a health care system that provides timely access to health services whenever and wherever they are needed. That is why the Government of Canada is investing over $200 billion over 10 years, which includes $25 billion for tailored bilateral agreements with provinces and territories, to support the Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians plan.
Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Canada’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, and the Honourable Mark McLane, Prince Edward Island’s (PEI) Minister of Health and Wellness, announced a bilateral agreement to invest more than $94 million over the next three years, marking a crucial step in a 10-year plan for collaboration. This new funding by the Government of Canada will help accelerate efforts in PEI to improve health care access and services.
Through this federal funding, PEI has a 3-year action plan to deliver improvements to its health care system by 2026, including:
Progress on these initiatives and broader commitments will be measured against targets which PEI will publicly report on annually.
Through this new agreement, PEI will improve how health information is collected, shared, used and reported to Canadians; streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals; facilitate the mobility of key health professionals within Canada; and fulfill shared responsibilities to uphold the Canada Health Act to protect Canadians’ access to health care that is based on need, not the ability to pay.
Recognizing the significant disparities in Indigenous health outcomes, the Government of Canada and of PEI also commit to meaningfully engage and work together with Indigenous partners to support improved access to quality and culturally appropriate health care services. PEI’s action plan is informed by continued engagement with its Indigenous partners and recent trilateral discussions involving the federal government. To help approach health decisions through a lens that promotes respect and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, PEI will be establishing an Indigenous health engagement committee, which includes the Abegweit and Lennox Island First Nations, ensuring PEI’s two Mi’kmaq communities are involved in health policy decisions.
PEI and the federal government will continue working together to improve access to health services and deliver tangible results to all patients across the province, including responding to the needs of Indigenous and other underserved and disadvantaged populations.
Quotes
“Canadians want and deserve better access to health services; and we need to act now to address the challenges in front of us. This agreement and action plan is an important step in our collaboration with Prince Edward Island to take measurable action to transform our health care system. Prince Edward Island’s investment of a significant portion of the federal funding to expanding family health services to every Islander is a great step forward for PEI healthcare. Together with all provinces and territories, we will continue working to get better health outcomes for Canadians.”
The Honourable Mark Holland
Canada’s Minister of Health
“Mental health is health, and through this agreement, we will be working with PEI to integrate mental health and substance use care as a full and equal part of our universal health care system. With this critical investment, PEI will be able to continue investing in Mobile Mental Health units and Student Well-being Teams. 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 Ya’ara Saks
Canada’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
“Today is a great day for Islanders, and proof of what we can accomplish when we work together. This investment will make our health care system stronger and improve health outcomes and access to services for folks right across Prince Edward Island.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Collaboration with the federal government is key as we move forward to enhance health care across Prince Edward Island. Through this funding, we will be able to invest further in some of our top priorities, such as expanding patient medical homes, increasing international recruitment efforts, and so much more. We are continuously moving forward to improve health care outcomes for Island residents, and this is an excellent step in that direction.”
The Honourable Mark McLane
Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Health and Wellness
Quick facts
Associated links
Contacts
Christopher Aoun
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health
613-291-4176
Alexander Fernandes
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
613-290-0318
Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca
Public Enquiries:
613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709
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