Feds, provinces, and territories moving towards collective approach to mental health

by Morinville News Staff

Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Health have agreed to a Common Statement of Principles (CSP) on Shared Health Priorities. The Principles will focuses on improving Canadians’ access to mental health and addiction services, as well as to home and community care.

The government says the CSP acknowledges the commitment of federal, provincial and territorial governments to continue to work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to improve access to health services and health outcomes of Indigenous peoples and discuss progress. Governments commit to continue collaborating on health innovation and prescription drugs.

The CSP puts the federal government in a position to transfer mental health and addictions and home and community care investments for 2017-18 to provinces and territories.

“I am very pleased to have reached a common understanding with provinces and territories about how and where these funds for mental health and home care can be invested over the next ten years,” said The Honourable Jane Philpott in a news release Monday. “This agreement shows that these issues are priorities across the country and that all levels of governments will work together to make significant improvements over the next few years. This will make a real difference for Canadians and their families.”

The feds say they in the coming months they will develop bilateral agreements with each province and territory to outline how federal funds for mental health and addiction services, as well as home and community care, will be used consistent with the Common Statement of Principles.

Federal, provincial and territorial Health Ministers will also work collaboratively to develop a focused set of common indicators to enable Canadians to assess progress on mental health and addictions and home and community care.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email