NUNAVUT
The Government of Canada announced Jan. 16 a health funding deal with the three territories to the tune of $36.1 million over 10 years, specifically targeting home care and mental health care.

Though Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna, left, Yukon Premier Sandy Silver and Northwest Territories Premier Bob McLeod signed a new health funding deal with the federal government, they will receive any additional growth rate negotiated with Canada by other provinces. - photo courtesy of Government of Nunavut

Nunavut receives $6.1 million to support better home care, while Yukon and Northwest Territories receive $6.2 million and $7.4 million respectively. For mental health initiatives, Nunavut receives $5.1 million, Yukon $5.2 million and Northwest Territories $6.1 million.

"Nunavut, along with our sister territories, agreed to sign the Canada Health Transfer. Under the circumstances, we felt it was the best deal we were able to acquire for our residents," Nunavut's Premier Peter Taptuna told Nunavut News/North by email.

Nunavut is hoping for more.

"We also negotiated a caveat so that Nunavut receives any additional growth rate negotiated with Canada by other provinces."

The territorial and provincial premiers released a joint statement Jan. 18, noting their hopes for more funding.

"The federal government's share of health spending has been declining over time, and the current proposal will see that share drop even further over the next 10 years," the statement reads. "Available independent research confirms what provinces and territories already know: that the latest federal funding proposal falls short of what is required to maintain sustainable health care systems across the country."

The targeted investments in home care and mental health care are in addition to the existing legislated commitments through the Canada Health Transfer (CHT). Taptuna says the health transfer makes up approximately 11 per cent of the territory's health budget.

"We continue to advocate for our unique circumstances and higher costs and we are looking to Canada to take Northern needs into consideration during the federal budget," he said.

In the joint statement, the premiers noted that "having access to high quality health care is one of the most important things about being a Canadian."

As such, they remain united and determined in seeking a multilateral agreement.

New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia signed their own deals with the federal government in December 2016. A deal with Saskatchewan was announced Jan. 17.

The Government of Canada further stated that in the coming weeks, governments will develop performance indicators and mechanisms for annual reporting to citizens, as well as a detailed plan on how these funds will be spent, over and above existing programs.