Gatineau, Quebec—The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today reaffirmed that the Canada Social Transfer (CST) will reach a record high level of $12.2 billion this fiscal year, providing provinces and territories with long-term, predictable and sustainable funding to support education, child care and social services for Canadian families.
“Canadians deserve equal access to social services no matter where they live,” said Minister Finley. “The increased Canada Social Transfer provides stable funding to provinces and territories, allowing them to effectively plan and deliver quality social programs that benefit all Canadians.”
The CST will grow at three per cent per year, from $11.9 billion in 2012–13 to $13.7 billion in 2017–2018 in support of post-secondary education, social assistance and social services, childcare, early childhood development and early learning.
“All major federal transfers to provinces and territories will continue to grow from current record levels, at a sustainable and affordable rate,” said the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance. “These transfers total $62 billion in 2013-14, an increase of almost 50% since 2006.”
In addition to the CST, the federal government provides transfers to the provinces and territories in support of the provision of health care through the Canada Health Transfer (CHT). The Equalization and Territorial Formula Financing Programs also ensure that provinces and territories can provide Canadians access to reasonably comparable programs and services at comparable levels of taxation.
“These record investments in health and social priorities will be supported by a Canadian economy that is powered by Economic Action Plan 2013,” added Minister Flaherty. “This plan introduces a bold and innovative skills training initiative, the largest and longest federal infrastructure plan in Canadian history, and significant new investments to support manufacturing and innovation in Canada.”
Details on specific transfer amounts to provinces and territories are available on the Finance Canada web site at: http://www.fin.gc.ca/fedprov/mtp-eng.asp
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For more information, contact:
Alyson Queen
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.
