Toronto’s top doctor worried province could reduce public health funding – CBC

Provincial portion of Toronto Public Health funding will not be cut, Ford government says

Feb 23, 2023

Toronto’s top doctor is warning one-time funding that prevented a cut to public health by the Ford government runs out at the end of this year, while the province insists the cash flow to health units will remain the same.

Dr. Eileen de Villa made the comments at this week’s Toronto Board of Health meeting in response to questions about provincial funding commitments. In 2019, the province attempted to change the way it funds health units across Ontario, shifting its cost-sharing arrangement with municipalities from a 75 per cent – 25 per cent split to a 70-30 formula.

At that time, the change was projected to cost public health units $200 million a year in provincial funding, and sparked a fiery backlash from city politicians. Ford’s government eventually retreated from the plan.

But de Villa said when the province announced its changes in 2019, they’ve continued funding at the 75-25 split, but have provided an annual five per cent top-up that brings the ratio back to 70-30.

Toronto’s top doctor worried province could reduce public health funding – CBC

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