Governments of Canada and Nunavut Sign Agreement to Improve Health Care Services

May 9, 2019 – Health Canada – Ottawa, ON

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 to adapt the system to the changing needs of Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, and the George Hickes, Nunavut Minister of Health, announced the signing of a bilateral agreement outlining how the territory will invest approximately $5.2 million in targeted federal funding as part of a ten-year federal financial commitment of approximately $11.2 million.

With support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut will invest in a range of initiatives to expand home and community care as well as mental health and addiction services. These include:

Implementing the interRAI assessment tool, which allows clinicians to identify issues and develop care plans and monitor patient progress; and
Supporting community-driven mental health and addictions projects for children and youth.

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.

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

Quotes

“Today’s agreement will improve access to mental health and addiction, and home and community care services for the residents of Nunavut. Our Government is committed to working collaboratively with the provinces and territories to ensure that Canadians have access to the health care services they need.”

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor

Canada’s Minister of Health

”The Government of Nunavut is committed to delivering quality health-care services and working towards the well-being of Nunavummiut. We appreciate the federal government’s focus on mental health and addiction services and on home and community care services as they continue to be priority areas for the Department of Health.”

The Honourable George Hickes

Nunavut’s Minister of Health

Quick facts

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 and community care and mental health and addiction services for Canadians.
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, bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories will be renewed for the remaining five years of the 10-year commitment.

Governments of Canada and Nunavut Sign Agreement to Improve Health Care Services

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