B.C., Ottawa sign health agreement worth $1.4 billion
RICHMOND, B.C. — Canada’s health minister has announced a 10-year, $1.4 billion health-funding agreement with British Columbia, and a multimillion dollar investment to fight the opioid crisis across the country.
Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott says the funding agreement with B.C. includes $785 million for better home care and more than $650 million for mental-health initiatives.
B.C. has been at the epicentre of the overdose crisis caused by illicit opioids and Philpott also announced $65 million to combat the epidemic nationwide.
“In addition, in recognition of the severe impact this has had on British Columbia, we will be providing this province with the support of $10 million to help in its emergency response.”