Federal, provincial and territorial Health Ministers agree on collaborative approach to improve access to mental health and addiction services, home and community care

News Release

August 21, 2017 - Ottawa, ON

Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Health* have agreed to a Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities (Common Statement of Principles), which focuses on improving Canadians' access to mental health and addiction services, as well as to home and community care.

The Common Statement of Principles outlines a set of collective priorities for action based on a commitment to collaboration, innovation and accountability to Canadians. The Common Statement of Principles also acknowledges the commitment of federal, provincial and territorial governments to continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to improve access to health services and health outcomes of Indigenous peoples and discuss progress. Governments commit to continue collaborating on health innovation and prescription drugs.

The release of the Common Statement of Principles marks a milestone in federal, provincial and territorial discussions to strengthen health care. The Common Statement of Principles follows confirmation in Budget 2017 of $11 billion over 10 years in new federal funds to improve access to mental health and addiction services, as well as to home and community care.

With agreement on the Common Statement of Principles in place and federal budget legislation passed, the federal government is now in a position to transfer mental health and addictions and home and community care investments for 2017-18 to provinces and territories.

In the coming months, the federal government will develop bilateral agreements with each province and territory to outline how federal funds for mental health and addiction services, as well as home and community care, will be used consistent with the Common Statement of Principles.

Federal, provincial and territorial Health Ministers will also work collaboratively to develop a focused set of common indicators to enable Canadians to assess progress on mental health and addictions and home and community care.

Quotes

"I am very pleased to have reached a common understanding with provinces and territories about how and where these funds for mental health and home care can be invested over the next ten years. This agreement shows that these issues are priorities across the country and that all levels of governments will work together to make significant improvements over the next few years. This will make a real difference for Canadians and their families."

The Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Health


* The federal government has agreed to an asymmetrical arrangement with Quebec, distinct from this Common Statement of Principles,.

Contacts

Andrew MacKendrick
Office of Jane Philpott
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Health Canada Media Relations
613-957-2983

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