21.69°C Vancouver

Oct 10, 2023 5:49 PM - Connect News

BC becomes first province to sign federal health care agreement

Share On
bc-becomes-first-province-to-sign-federal-health-care-agreement
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.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

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.

Latest news

rcmp-investigating-cause-of-bald-range-wildfire-near-summerland
BCAug 11, 2026

RCMP investigating cause of Bald Range wildfire near Summerland

RCMP have launched an investigation into the cause of the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland, B.C. The Penticton South Okanagan RCMP say the fire may have been sparked by suspicious activity and investigators are looking into the circumstances. Police are asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity on the afternoon of Aug. 7 near Princeton-Summerland Road, Bathville Road or Crump Recreation Site to come forward. Investigators are also asking anyone with dashcam or cellphone photos or video from the area to contact police. Police are warning the public not to spread unverified informat
canada-u-s-trade-talks-continue-as-tariff-deadline-approaches
CanadaAug 11, 2026

Canada-U.S. trade talks continue as tariff deadline approaches

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington today as the two countries continue efforts to resolve their ongoing trade dispute. It is their third face-to-face meeting in the past few weeks. LeBlanc was scheduled to travel to Washington on Monday, but his flight was forced to return to Montreal due to bad weather. Meanwhile, Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, spent Monday in the U.S. capital, where she met with an official from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Team Canada is working to find a middle ground to av
CanadaAug 11, 2026

Ontario Liberal leadership race opens with debate over Ford record and need for legislature seat

Ontario Liberal leadership candidates, including former federal minister Navdeep Bains, took part in their first debate Monday night, with the five contenders criticizing Premier Doug Ford’s government on the economy, health care, education and affordability. The candidates also disagreed over whether the party’s next leader should hold a seat in the Ontario legislature. Two of the five candidates are sitting provincial MPPs and argued that having a seat in the legislature would provide a stronger platform to challenge the Ford government. Bains and two other candidates do not currently ho
quebec-premier-open-to-return-of-u-s-wines-if-trade-gains-are-made
CanadaAug 10, 2026

Quebec premier open to return of U.S. wines if trade gains are made

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette says the province could allow U.S. wines to return to liquor store shelves, but only if there are gains for Quebec and Canada in ongoing trade discussions with the United States. Fréchette said she wants to see reductions in tariff barriers affecting key Quebec sectors, including forestry, aluminum and manufacturing, before considering a return of American wine products to provincial liquor stores. The Quebec government previously directed the province’s liquor board to stop selling U.S. products in response to tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald T
BCAug 10, 2026

Merritt closes hiking and biking trails amid wildfire risk

Merritt’s fire chief has ordered the immediate closure of all hiking and biking trails in forested areas under the city’s jurisdiction, citing the risk of human-caused wildfires. Fire Chief David A. Tomkinson said the restriction took effect Monday and will remain in place until Sept. 15. Members of the public are not permitted to enter the affected trails and forested areas during the closure. According to the city, the closure is authorized under its bylaw, which allows the administration to restrict access to areas when necessary to protect public safety and property. Tomkinson said the

Related News