The Liberals’ first budget was revealed on March 22. A new approach “includes smart investments and fair choices.” This also applies to our health care system, which, Justin Trudeau’s government believes, must be strengthened to better meet the needs of Canadian patients—mainly through working with provinces and territories on a new multi-year health accord. The government says it is committed to working in partnership with provinces and territories to improve health care in Canada and boost health outcomes for all Canadians.
In terms of health promotion and disease prevention, a lot of emphasis is put on Canada’s food safety system, which is supported through collaboration between Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Proposed funding in this area equals $38.5 million dollars over two years. To ensure all Canadian families continue to have access to clean water, the government is announcing a new Clean Water and Wastewater Fund for provinces, territories and municipalities, investing $2.0 billion over four years.
The new budget proposes to provide $39 million to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement over three years, which will help identify and introduce innovations in Canada’s health care system.This year’s budget will also continue funding the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer with $47.5 million per year as well as provide $5 million over five years to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. This will support research on women’s heart health.
“Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death among women in Canada, claiming 33,000 lives each year,” says David Sculthorpe, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation. “Today’s investments will help fuel the scientific discovery and collaborations needed to make a meaningful difference to the health and lives of Canadian women.”
Budget 2016 also proposes to provide $4 million over the next four years to raise awareness of men’s health issues.
The government also plans to address “critically needed health infrastructure for First Nations communities,” proposing to invest $270 million over five years. This funding will support “the construction, renovation and repair of nursing stations, residences for health care workers, and health offices that provide health information on reserve.”
