BC becomes first province to sign federal health care agreement

Health Minister Mark Holland announced today that British Columbia is the first province to sign the $196-billion Individual Health Agreement introduced by the Prime Minister.

In February, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had announced that the federal government is ready to spend $196-billion dollars to revitalize Canada's health system, as a result of which all provinces except Quebec have agreed to this deal.

BC will receive $1.2 billion over the next three years from the federal government.

Federal Health Minister Mark Holland made the announcement Tuesday morning at Vancouver General Hospital.

Holland said his goal is to make the Canadian health-care system the best in the world.

The province has also agreed to work with the First Nations Health Authority to improve culturally appropriate treatment and patient care, as the overdose crisis in the province continues to gain momentum.

B.C. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside said the agreement would help young people access treatment and recovery services.