Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, announced the signing of two bilateral agreements with Health Canada that will provide Ontario with funding to support a comprehensive and connected mental health care system. The funding will also help address critical gaps and create a more integrated home and community care sector so patients are supported throughout their care.
“The signing of these two bilateral agreements is an important milestone in ensuring Ontario’s health care system has long-term stable funding,” said the Minister. “Our government is going to invest responsibly and work with front line staff and organizations to ensure that patients don’t need to be in crisis to get the mental health and addictions treatments they need, when they need it. Our government is committed to putting the patient at the centre of a sustainable health care system built for the future.”
Over the next 10 years, Health Canada will provide the province with $4.3 billion for mental health and addictions and home and community care. In addition, this year Ontario will receive $51.1 million to improve access to addictions and treatment services.
The Ontario government is committed to investing $3.8 billion over the next 10 years to develop and implement a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions strategy.
“Our government will ensure each dollar goes directly to services that will make a significant difference to patients,” said Minister Elliott. “We will continue to make mental health and addictions a priority and work toward creating an Ontario where everyone is fully supported in their health care journey.”
The Shared Health Priorities Agreement will provide Ontario with $2.3 billion for home and community care and $1.9 billion for mental health and addictions over the next 10 years.
The Opioids Agreement will provide Ontario with $51.1 million this year.
