National

B.C. first province to sign individual health deal with feds, worth $1.2 billion

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 10 Oct, 2023 10:37 AM

British Columbia is the first province to sign a tailored funding agreement with the federal government as part of the $196-billion health accord the prime minister offered provinces earlier this year.

The deal will see Ottawa shift $1.2 billion to B.C. over three years.

Health Minister Mark Holland told a news conference at Vancouver General Hospital on Tuesday that the funding also comes with a commitment for federal support for B.C.’s health-care system for the next 10 years.

Holland said the support aims to take the Canadian health-care system "from one of the best" in the world to "the best."

📍Vancouver

Today, our government signed a healthcare funding agreement with #BC! This is just the beginning – we are working to sign agreements with every province and territory to deliver better results for Canadians. pic.twitter.com/skuuJVWMJO
— Mark Holland (@markhollandlib) October 10, 2023

In exchange, the province has developed a plan to increase patient access to team-based family health care and mental health and addictions services.

The B.C. government has also agreed to work with the First Nations Health Authority to improve access to culturally appropriate and trauma-informed treatment and care.

The province will increase access to mental health and addictions services as the overdose crisis continues at a relentless pace, despite the declaration of a public health emergency in April 2016.

B.C. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside said the agreement supports their plans to help youth in treatment and recovery services, "so more young people can get the free, confidential and timely care they need, right in their own communities."

Adrian Dix, B.C.'s minister of health, said the agreement will allow the government to support its health care workers across the province.

"This bilateral agreement with the Government of Canada will help us in delivering the health services and access that people need, are counting on, and that we're strengthening," Dix said in a statement.

The one-on-one deal is part of a national health accord that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered provinces in February in response to the ongoing health-care crisis.

So far, all provinces and territories have agreed to the deal in principle, except Quebec.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Ongoing homicide investigation leads to arrest on Canada-wide warrant of Arjun Purewal

A Canada-wide warrant was issued for Purewal late last month after he removed the ankle monitor he was wearing while on bail. He was awaiting sentencing for his part in a 2021 kidnapping in Richmond when he was last seen in Coquitlam on Aug. 26.

Ongoing homicide investigation leads to arrest on Canada-wide warrant of Arjun Purewal

Study links long COVID and autoimmune disease

Some long COVID patients suffering symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath are showing signs of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, suggests a Canadian study that builds on similar findings elsewhere.

Study links long COVID and autoimmune disease

Taxes on banks to raise billions: PBO

The documents calculated the expected revenues from the Canada Recovery Dividend and a proposed permanent increase to corporate taxes on banks and life insurance groups. The PBO said the dividend — a one-time 15 per cent windfall tax on banks and life insurers profits made during the pandemic — will generate $3 billion.

Taxes on banks to raise billions: PBO

B.C. report notes ways to curb prolific offenders

There are more than two dozen recommendations in their report aimed at the provincial prosecution service and the courts, saying it isn’t sustainable for police to continue to bear the main responsibility to manage prolific offenders. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the government will start with the return of a prolific offenders management program.

B.C. report notes ways to curb prolific offenders

Darpan's 10: Randeep Gill, MD

The Medical Advisory Committee was created to facilitate full representation across all the departments of the hospital, so that we can tap into the wisdom and expertise of all those voices. Essentially, we’re creating an advocacy group amongst the physicians practising in SMH.

Darpan's 10: Randeep Gill, MD

Stats Canada says Canada's homeownership rate fell in latest 2021 census release

The decline in homeownership rates between 2011 and 2021 was the largest for younger Canadians, with the rate falling to 36.5 from 44.1 for those between the ages of 25 and 29. Canadians between the ages of 30 and 34 experienced a similar but slightly smaller decline in homeownership, falling to 52.3 per cent from 59.2 per cent.