OTTAWA — The federal government plans to extend funding for mental health, addictions treatment and home care services by another year, following concerns from provinces and territories about the consequences of allowing existing agreements to expire.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced the planned extension in a social media post, putting its value at $1.2 billion.
Provincial health ministers had warned that failing to renew the agreements in the upcoming federal budget could seriously affect patients and health-care jobs.
Earlier this month, provinces and territories also raised questions about the future of the Canada Health Transfer, a separate source of federal support for provincial and territorial health systems.
The federal budget is expected later this fall.
The announcement comes ahead of health ministers’ meetings in Winnipeg. Provincial and territorial ministers are scheduled to meet Thursday, with Michel joining as co-chair of Friday’s discussions.