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N.W.T. signs agreement in principle with feds on health funding

Jul 6, 2023 | 9:04 AM

OTTAWA — Northwest Territories has signed on to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s health funding offer, which would see a $361-million boost to health funding to the territories over 10 years.

The agreement will include a boost to health-care transfers from the federal government, along with a $73-million deal focused on specific concerns in Northwest Territories.

Trudeau presented his offer to provincial and territorial premiers in February as local politicians, doctors, nurses and health advocates raised concerns about a nation-wide health-care crisis.

Yukon, Nunavut and Quebec are now the only provincial and territorial governments that have yet to sign on.

In exchange for the funds, Northwest Territories and other provinces have committed to develop a three-year plan with targets and timelines for improving health care in their jurisdictions.

As part of the deal, Northwest Territories will see an immediate one-time top up of $2 million that is intended to address urgent needs in the health-care system.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2023.

The Canadian Press