Canada’suniversal, publicly funded health system is a source of pride for Canadians. The Government of Canadais working with territories to strengthen health care and adapt the system to the challenges of delivering health care in the North.
On behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, minister of Health, Larry Bagnell, member of Parliament for Yukon, along with Pauline Frost, Yukon’sminister of Health and Social Services, announced more than $30 millionin federal funds to support health care services in Yukon.
“The Government of Canadarecognizes the challenges of delivering health care services in the North,” said Taylor. “We will continue to work collaboratively with the Government of Yukon, and with all the provinces and territories to strengthen health services for Canadians.”
A bilateral agreement was signed outlining how Yukonplans to invest its share of federal funding to improve access to home and community care and mental health and addiction services in the territory. Through this agreement, Yukonwill receive approximately $5.2 millionin targeted federal funding throughout the duration five years, as part of a 10-year federal financial commitment of approximately $11 million.
Also announced was an investment of $25.6 millionthroughout the duration of four years to support health system innovation in Yukon. This funding is Yukon’sportion of the Territorial Health Investment Fund, which was renewed in Budget 2017.
“Our Government is committed to supporting innovation across our health care systems,” explained Bagnell. “This funding is enabling Yukonto develop tailored solutions to meet its unique health system needs and challenges.”
The Territorial Health Investment Fund is designed to support efforts by the territories to innovate and transform health care systems, and to ensure that Northerners have access to the care they need.
“Our government is committed to improving the mental wellness of Yukoners, and addressing the growing need for home and community care,” said Frost. “This targeted federal funding will allow us to build on our efforts and will help us meet the diverse needs of all Yukoncommunities.”
