Canadian health ministers meet in Winnipeg today after the federal government announced it would extend funding for mental health, addictions and home care by one year.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel made the announcement on social media late Wednesday, saying the extension represents $1.2-billion in funding.
The existing funding was set to expire next year.
Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara is to host provincial and territorial counterparts today, and Michel is to co-chair Friday’s meeting.
Provincial health ministers had said they were worried about “profound and negative” effects on patients and health-care jobs if the federal funding agreements weren’t renewed in this year’s budget.
Provinces and territories also raised concerns about the future of the Canada Health Transfer as the federal budget states the minimum growth rate will drop to three per cent from five per cent in 2028.
Asagwara says they spoke with Michel about the unanimous concerns of health ministers and are keen to hear more on federal health funding.
“I am thrilled to be able to say that I feel Minister Michel has been listening,” Asagwara said Wednesday.
