Supporting and improving Indigenous-led health care for First Nations in British Columbia
April 14, 2023
West Vancouver, British Columbia
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Everyone deserves equal access to quality health care, free from racism and discrimination. That’s why the Government of Canada is working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to support greater Indigenous control of health services and deliver better health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, was joined today by the Minister of Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu, and the leaders of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), on Coast Salish Traditional Territory, to announce the signing of a renewed 10-year Canada Funding Agreement with the FNHA in British Columbia, to deliver better health care for First Nations in the province. Through the agreement, $8.2 billion in funding will support the FNHA as it continues to deliver and improve the health systems that serve and support over 200 First Nations communities in the province. This includes but is not limited to continuing to develop innovative supports for mental health and wellness needs, increasing access to quality, culturally safe care, and strengthening coordination between the FNHA and the provincial health care services to better meet the unique needs of First Nations communities.
The Government of Canada transferred control of First Nations health operations in British Columbia to the First Nations in the province 10 years ago, following the signing of a historic agreement in 2011. Since then, the FNHA has transformed how health care is delivered to First Nations in the province, ensuring that health funding is distributed wherever it is needed most, to support healthy, self-determining, and vibrant communities across the province.
Today’s announcement is in addition to the recently announced Indigenous Health Equity Fund, a federal investment of $2 billion over 10 years to address the unique challenges Indigenous Peoples across Canada face when it comes to fair and equitable access to quality and culturally safe health care services. We will continue working collaboratively with Indigenous partners and communities to address these gaps, support Indigenous health priorities, and work toward eliminating health inequalities for all.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement is an important step toward ensuring that decisions that impact the health of First Nations can be made by First Nations. We’re committed to working in partnership with Indigenous communities to deliver the best results for people’s health, build a more resilient health care system, and ensure that our country’s health care systems respect the unique needs of Indigenous Peoples so that everyone can get the medical care they need, when they need it.”
“When First Nations lead in health care design and delivery, services improve and Indigenous Peoples get and stay healthier. The First Nations Health Authority has a long-term vision to create healthier people and communities. Sustainable and predictable funding is the foundation of this important work. This renewed 10-year agreement supports the First Nations Health Authority on the journey of health transformation. Thank you to the many leaders, service providers and health care workers that make a difference every day. This agreement helps to ensure you have the strong and secure foundation to continue your important, life changing work.”
“This new 10-year funding agreement will allow the FNHA to continue the important work toward creating a culturally safe health care system for First Nations people in British Columbia. Funds to address existing disparities and inequities will be discussed and aligned with our communities in partnership with federal, provincial, and other health agencies. FNHA will continue to work together on health system innovations, and through the delivery of new or redesigned health and wellness programs that support the unique needs of First Nations people and their communities.”
“Today’s announcement of a new 10-year federal funding agreement speaks to the strong partnerships between the FNHA, the federal and provincial governments, local health authorities, and other health care providers. It is a testament to the shared understanding of the many disparities in the current health care system that contribute to gaps in health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. I lift my hands and acknowledge all those who continue to work toward building a safer and more accessible health care system for First Nations in British Columbia.”
“This year marks the 10-year anniversary of a historic transfer of federal operations in First Nations health to the control of First Nations in British Columbia. Today’s funding announcement extends this unique health governance structure with our Canada and British Columbia partners, based on a shared vision of health transformation for First Nations – a governance structure that is a first for Canada and one of only a few in the world. Focused on health transformation and control of health care by First Nations, the FNHC’s recent Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey XII in February saw Chiefs and leaders endorse a ‘10-Year Strategy on the Social Determinants of Health: A Framework for the Future’. With the highest level of support of any FNHC resolution, Chiefs and leaders clearly stated that First Nations know best how to manage and deliver health for their communities.”
“Today’s announcement responds to the demand by Chiefs and communities for sustainable, predictable funding to provide community-based solutions to improve health and wellness for First Nations people. Since launching a new approach to First Nations health in 2011 via the British Columbia Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nations Health Governance, First Nations have worked to reclaim the traditions and cultural teachings that kept us healthy for thousands of years. With this new agreement and implementation of the ‘10-Year Strategy on the Social Determinants of Health’, the FNHC is ready to work with its partners at the FNHA and the First Nations Health Directors Association on urgent priorities including Healing Approaches and Cultural Infrastructure.”
Quick Facts
- British Columbia’s First Nations Health Governance Structure enables First Nations in the province to participate fully in the design and delivery of health services within their communities. The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) in British Columbia is the first of its kind in Canada, mandated to plan, design, manage, deliver, and fund the delivery of First Nations health programs in the province. The Government of Canada’s transfer of control of First Nations health operations to the FNHA was prescribed in the 2011 Tripartite Agreement signed by Canada, British Columbia, the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), and the FNHA.
- Five other federally funded First Nations health transformation initiatives are now underway in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, and two in Manitoba.
- Budget 2023 also includes additional investments for Indigenous health priorities:
- $810.6 million over five years to support medical travel and maintain medically necessary services through the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, including mental health services, dental and vision care, and medications; and
- $16.2 million over three years for interventions that will contribute to the goal of eliminating tuberculosis across Inuit Nunangat by 2030.
- The federal government works collaboratively and in partnership with Indigenous partners and communities to support improved access to high quality, culturally appropriate health services, greater Indigenous control of health services, and improved health outcomes. Each year, the government invests approximately $5 billion in Indigenous health. This includes important new investments announced since 2021 to support further progress, including:
- $354 million over five years to increase the number of nurses and other medical professionals in remote and isolated First Nations communities;
- $250 million over five years to further support recruitment and retention of health professionals on reserve;
- $825 million over three years for distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategies;
- $127 million over three years to foster health systems free from racism and discrimination; and
- $107 million over three years to continue efforts to transform how health services are designed and delivered by First Nations communities.
- On February 7, 2023, the Government of Canada announced $2 billion over 10 years in the new Indigenous Health Equity Fund to make further progress on Indigenous health priorities across Canada. This was part of the more than $198 billion over 10 years to improve health care for people in Canada, including Indigenous Peoples.
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Associated Links
- Indigenous health care in Canada
- Working in partnership to deliver high-quality health care for Indigenous People
- Working together to improve health care for Canadians
- First Nations Health Authority
April 14, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Puthandu:
“Today, Tamils in Canada and around the world will come together to celebrate Puthandu and welcome the beginning of a new year.
“Puthandu is a time to reflect on the past year, give thanks for the blessings of life, and look to the future with hope and optimism. To celebrate the first day of the Tamil calendar, families and loved ones will decorate their homes, share special dishes, and prepare trays of fruit, flowers, and items of good fortune that invite health, happiness, and prosperity into their lives.
“Today, we also take the time to recognize the important contributions that Tamil communities have made – and continue to make – to our national fabric. Together, we will continue to build a better, fairer, and more inclusive Canada.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a very happy New Year.
“Iniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal.”
April 14, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Vaisakhi:
“Today, Sikh communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate Vaisakhi, one of the holiest days of the Sikh calendar.
“For more than 300 years, Sikhs have celebrated the creation of the Khalsa Panth – the community of baptized Sikhs – by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
“To mark this occasion, which also celebrates the spring harvest, Sikhs traditionally gather at their local Gurdwaras to pray, read from the sacred scripture, and hold Nagar Kirtans. From coast to coast to coast, friends and family will also take part in vibrant and colourful Khalsa Day parades.
“Vaisakhi falls during Sikh Heritage Month, which invites all of us to celebrate the culture and heritage of Sikh Canadians – one of the world’s largest Sikh communities outside of India. Across Canada, Sikhs continue to embody the values of equality, generosity, and compassion through seva – selfless service to others. Today, we recognize the significant contributions of Sikh Canadians in making our country stronger, more prosperous, and more diverse.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a joyful Vaisakhi.
“Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.”
April 13, 2023
Regina, Saskatchewan
With grocery prices going up, too many Canadians are struggling to make ends meet. In the face of global inflation and rising costs, the Government of Canada is providing much-needed relief to Canadians to ensure they can continue to put food on the table and pay the bills.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today highlighted the new one-time Grocery Rebate proposed in Budget 2023—A Made-in-Canada Plan: Strong Middle Class, Affordable Economy, Healthy Future. This targeted inflation relief has been designed to help support the Canadians hardest hit by rising food prices.
The Grocery Rebate would help approximately 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families across the country. This would mean a one-time payment of up to an extra $467 for eligible couples with two children; up to an extra $234 for single Canadians without children; and an extra $225 for seniors, on average. The rebate is part of a suite of measures proposed in Budget 2023 to help make life more affordable for Canadians, including cracking down on predatory lending, providing more support for students, and lowering credit card transaction fees for small businesses.
Budget 2023 lays out the federal government’s plan to keep supporting Canadian families and build a stronger, more sustainable, and more secure economy for everyone.
Quote
“With grocery prices on the rise, we’re putting more money back into the pockets of Canadians who need it most, when they need it most. The new Grocery Rebate, and the other measures we’ve put forward in Budget 2023, will help build an economy that works for everyone, where every Canadian family can afford to put food on the table.”
Quick Facts
- In addition to the new Grocery Rebate, Budget 2023 proposes more affordability measures including:
- Cracking down on predatory lending that takes advantage of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, including low-income Canadians, newcomers, and seniors, often by extending very high interest rate loans;
- Cracking down on junk fees, including higher telecom roaming charges, event and concert fees, excessive baggage fees, and unjustified shipping and freight fees;
- Supporting hardworking small business owners by working with financial institutions to lower credit card transaction fees, while also protecting reward points for Canadian consumers offered by Canada’s large banks; and
- Making life more affordable for students with measures including increasing Canada Student Grants by 40 per cent and raising the interest-free Canada Student Loan limit from $210 to $300 per week of study.
- The Government of Canada is investing in the middle class, growing the economy, and making life more affordable for Canadians. We have also:
- Enhanced the Canada Workers Benefit for our lowest-paid essential workers, to provide up to $2,461 for families;
- Increased Old Age Security (OAS) benefits for seniors age 75 and older by 10 per cent as of July 2022, which is providing more than $800 in additional support to full pensioners;
- Supported about 3.5 million families annually through the tax-free Canada Child Benefit, with families this year receiving up to $7,437 per child under the age of six, and up to $6,275 per child aged six through 17;
- Delivered $10-a-day child care in half of Canada’s provinces and territories, and at least a 50 per cent fee reduction in every other jurisdiction – and strengthened the child care system in Quebec with more child care spaces; and
- Doubled the Goods and Services Tax Credit (GSTC) for six months to help 11 million individuals and families with the rising cost of living – with couples with two children receiving up to an extra $467 and seniors receiving an extra $225 on average.
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Associated Links
- Government of Canada releases Budget 2023
- Budget 2023—A Made-in-Canada Plan: Strong Middle Class, Affordable Economy, Healthy Future
- Making life more affordable for Canadians this year
- Affordability Plan
April 12, 2023
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Across the country, Canadian workers are building the clean technologies we need to grow the economy and create good middle-class jobs while fighting climate change. That includes innovations in technology like electric vehicles, which are happening right here at the University of Manitoba.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, was at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg today to highlight both new and expanded investment tax credits proposed in Budget 2023—A Made-in-Canada Plan: Strong Middle Class, Affordable Economy, Healthy Future.
These investment tax credits will help produce, manufacture, or use clean energy and clean technology in Canada, which will support good jobs for the middle class and a clean, made-in-Canada economy for generations to come:
- Introducing a 15 per cent refundable Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit for eligible investments in technologies required for the generation and storage of clean energy and its transmission between provinces and territories, which is available to taxable and certain tax-exempt entities;
- Introducing a refundable Clean Technology Manufacturing Tax Credit to cover 30 per cent of investments in new machinery and equipment used to manufacture or process clean technologies and extract, process, or recycle key critical minerals;
- Moving forward with the Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit, first announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, to support between 15 and 40 per cent of eligible project costs to produce clean hydrogen right here at home;
- Expanding the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Investment Tax Credit to additional types of equipment used to capture carbon dioxide emissions for storage or other uses in industrial processes, and provide tax credit access to geological storage projects in British Columbia; and
- Expanding eligibility for the refundable 30 per cent Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit to include geothermal energy systems, further supporting the growth of Canada’s clean technology sector.
These clean investment tax credits build on the work we have already done from coast to coast to coast to grow our clean economy and create and secure tens of thousands of good middle-class jobs.
At the University of Manitoba, the Prime Minister also highlighted Budget 2023 measures to enhance financial assistance for students by increasing Canada Student Grants by 40 per cent, providing up to $4,200 for full-time students, and raising interest-free Canada Student Loans. In total, proposed changes would allow post-secondary students to access up to $14,400 in enhanced Canada Student Financial Assistance for the upcoming school year.
Budget 2023 lays out the federal government’s plan to build a stronger, more sustainable Canadian economy for everyone. It will continue to deliver real results, make life more affordable, and build a healthier, cleaner future for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
Quote
“When it comes to clean energy and clean technology, Canada is a world leader. That’s why companies from around the world continue to choose Canada – and above all, Canadian workers – to grow their operations. The investments we are proposing in Budget 2023 will help us continue to build an economy that works for everyone, with good middle-class jobs, while leaving a stronger, healthier future for our kids.”
Quick Facts
- In the past year alone, Canada has secured historic investments in our growing clean economy and provided funding to support Canadian workers. These include:
- In March 2022, the Government of Canada announced a new federal investment of up to $131.6 million, matched by the Government of Ontario, to help Honda Canada retool its manufacturing operations in Alliston, Ontario, to launch the next generation of hybrid-electric vehicles and secure well-paying, high-quality jobs across the Canadian supply chain.
- In May 2022, the Government of Canada announced a new federal investment of up to $529 million to support a multi-billion-dollar project from automaker Stellantis to modernize its assembly plants in Windsor and Brampton, Ontario, help the company increase its production of electric vehicles, and support thousands of jobs. The Government of Ontario also supported the project with an investment of up to $513 million.
- In October 2022, the Government of Canada announced a new proposed federal investment of up to $222 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund to help Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) increase its production of critical minerals for products like electric vehicles and batteries, and to help feed clean technology supply chains at home and abroad.
- In November 2022, the Government of Canada announced an investment of up to $300 million, alongside a contribution of $161.5 million from the Government of Alberta, to support a $1.6 billion project by Air Products Canada Ltd. to advance clean fuels and clean energy in Canada and secure hundreds of middle-class jobs.
- If a particular machinery or equipment is eligible for more than one clean investment tax credit, businesses would only be able to claim one of the credits outlined above. The full extent of the tax credits rates will be provided only if the labour conditions are met, where applicable.
- Other investments in a clean economy proposed in Budget 2023 include:
- at least $20 billion, sourced from existing resources, to be invested by the Canada Infrastructure Bank to support the building of major clean electricity and clean growth infrastructure projects;
- $3 billion over 13 years to recapitalize funding for the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program to support critical regional electricity priorities and Indigenous-led projects; renew the Smart Grid Program and further support grid innovation; and support science-based projects to leverage Canada’s offshore wind potential; and
- $500 million over 10 years to the Strategic Innovation Fund to attract and spur high-quality business investments to support the development and application of clean technologies in Canada.
- In March 2022, the Government of Canada released the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy, an ambitious and achievable roadmap that outlines a sector-by-sector approach for Canada to reach its climate target of cutting emissions by 40 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and to put us on track toward our goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
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- Budget 2023 Backgrounder: A Made-in-Canada Plan: Affordable Energy, Good Jobs, and a Growing Clean Economy
- Tax measures: Supplementary Information
- 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy
Associated Links
- Government of Canada releases Budget 2023
- Budget 2023—A Made-in-Canada Plan: Strong Middle Class, Affordable Economy, Healthy Future
- Supporting Canada’s automotive manufacturing sector and its workers
- Building electric vehicles in Canada to create jobs and a cleaner future for everyone
- Delivering good jobs and strengthening Canada’s clean economy
- Government of Canada makes significant investment in Alberta’s clean hydrogen sector
April 11, 2023
Toronto, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, met with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, today, where he reiterated Canada’s solidarity with and support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s brutal, full-scale invasion.
During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada will provide additional military aid to Ukraine sourced from Colt Canada.
Prime Minister Trudeau also announced Canada has disbursed a $2.4 billion loan to the Government of Ukraine to support essential services, such as pension payments, purchasing fuel, and restoring damaged energy infrastructure. This funding, announced in Budget 2023, brings Canada’s total commitment to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion to over $8 billion.
During the visit, the leaders focused on efforts to rebuild Ukraine, including by hosting Canadian business leaders to discuss opportunities for Canadian trade and investment in Ukraine, particularly the essential role that private sector investment will play in Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction.
To strengthen our trade ties and help support Ukraine’s economic recovery, Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Shmyhal signed a joint declaration on the conclusion of negotiations for the modernization of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), and underscored the need to complete the processes to implement it as quickly as possible. A modernized CUFTA supports long-term security, stability, and economic development in Ukraine, as well as the creation of good middle-class jobs here in Canada.
Canada and Ukraine signed a bilateral Youth Mobility Agreement, which young people from both countries will benefit from when travel to Ukraine becomes safe. The Agreement further deepens the strong bonds between our peoples and our two countries. It will open up new opportunities for youth to work and travel, including opportunities for Canadian youth to help rebuild Ukraine once Russia withdraws its forces from the country.
To maintain the pressure on the Russian regime, Prime Minister Trudeau announced new sanctions targeting 14 Russian individuals and 34 entities complicit in Russia’s war in Ukraine, including several security targets linked to the Wagner Group and Russia’s aviation sector. In addition, to further pressure Putin’s enablers in Belarus, the Prime Minister announced additional sanctions on nine entities related to the Belarusian financial sector.
During Prime Minister Shmyhal’s time in Canada, Saskatoon-based Cameco and Ukraine’s state-owned Energoatom signed a major supply contract in which Cameco will provide the necessary uranium to meet Ukraine’s nuclear fuel needs until 2035. This supply contract, which builds on the partnership agreement signed earlier this year, will help Ukraine keep the lights on, while creating and supporting good, middle-class jobs here in Canada.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated to Prime Minister Shmyhal that Canada will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Quote
“Canada remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and to helping Ukrainians defend their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. I am incredibly happy to welcome Prime Minister Shmyhal to Canada and to work directly with him to keep doing everything we can to support Ukrainians, deepen our ties, promote our shared vision of a peaceful and secure future, and create economic opportunities for people in both our countries.”
Quick Facts
- The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly, and Minister of National Defence, Anita Anand.
- Since Russia’s illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 2,400 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada’s allies and partners.
- Since January 2022, Canada has committed more than $8 billion in funding for financial, military, humanitarian, development, and immigration assistance to Ukraine.
- This funding includes:
- Over $5 billion in financial assistance;
- Over $1 billion in military support;
- $352.5 million in humanitarian assistance;
- $127 million in development assistance; and
- Over $102 million in security and stabilization assistance.
- The new military assistance package includes 21,000 5.56mm assault rifles, 38 7.62mm machine guns, and over 2.4 million rounds of ammunition to support these weapons as well as small arms already in use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This donation comes from the remaining funds across the Government of Canada’s various funding envelopes for military assistance to Ukraine.
- Canadian Armed Forces members are supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the United Kingdom and Poland under Operation UNIFIER, providing training on a range of military skills. Between 2015 and 2023, Canada trained more than 36,000 members of Ukraine’s security forces as part of Operation UNIFIER.
- The Canadian Armed Forces have been and will continue to assist with the delivery of military aid for Ukraine from Canada and on behalf of our allies and partners, having already transported over eight million pounds of donated military equipment since March 2022.
- Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $1 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. Commitments to date include eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks, one armoured recovery vehicle, a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) with associated munitions, 39 armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing, and more.
- Canada is helping Ukrainian families find a safe, temporary home in our country, and has put in place support services to help them after they arrive. This includes temporary financial assistance and access to federally funded settlement services, such as language training and employment-related services. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Canada has welcomed more than 139,000 Ukrainians.
- In 2022, total bilateral trade between Canada and Ukraine was valued at $421.6 million, a slight decrease from $447.3 million in 2021 largely due to the Russian invasion. In 2022, Canada’s merchandise exports to Ukraine totalled $150.2 million, and merchandise imports from Ukraine totalled $271.3 million.
Associated Links
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Sanctions – Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canadian donations and military support to Ukraine
- Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
- Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA)
- Joint Declaration on Conclusion of Negotiations for the Modernization of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement
April 9, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Vimy Ridge Day:
“Today, we remember the bravery and sacrifice of the Canadian soldiers who served their country and risked their lives for peace, freedom, and justice during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
“In 1917, on the Vimy Ridge battlefield in northern France, some of the fiercest fighting of the First World War claimed the lives of almost 3,600 brave Canadians and wounded more than 7,000 others. There, facing an equipped enemy and difficult conditions, Canadian soldiers showed remarkable determination and courage, fighting side by side – Francophones, Anglophones, new Canadians, Black Canadians, and Indigenous Peoples – and using innovative tactics to secure victory.
“Four years after the end of the war, in 1922, France granted the use of a parcel of land on Vimy Ridge to the people of Canada for all time, in recognition of the valour and courage of our soldiers. Erected on the highest point of this former battlefield, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial serves as a towering and striking reminder of Canada’s sacrifice. It has also become a symbol of Canada’s commitment to upholding peace around the world, standing as a tribute to every Canadian who served their country in battle and risked or sacrificed their lives in the First World War. Carved on the walls of the monument are the names of the 11,285 Canadian soldiers who died in France and whose final resting place was then unknown.
“On Vimy Ridge Day, we honour the memory of those whose bravery led to one of the First World War’s most memorable victories and a defining moment in Canadian history. We also express our gratitude to the ongoing efforts of all Canadians in uniform who work to protect and defend our shared values of peace, freedom, and democracy. May their sacrifice inspire us all to work toward lasting peace, today and every day.
“Lest we forget.”
April 7, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Health Day:
“Today, as we celebrate World Health Day, and mark 75 years since the founding of the World Health Organization, we are reminded of the importance of international cooperation in achieving the global goal of healthy lives and well-being for all. This year’s theme, ‘Health For All’, reminds us of the work that remains to be done toward that goal and of what can be achieved when we work together.
“World Health Organization members, including Canada, have pulled together to keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. Thanks to our joint efforts, we have achieved huge feats in support of public health like eradicating smallpox and reducing malaria transmission. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we acted quickly to reinforce our health systems and collectively distribute billions of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments worldwide.
“Today, 30 per cent of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services. The overlapping crises of conflict, climate, food and nutrition insecurity, and the continued impact of COVID-19 are making it even harder for people to get the health services they need. Canada is committed to a future where everyone has access to essential health services and the health and rights of women and girls are respected. That’s why we are leading on global health, scaling up our international assistance for the health and rights of women and girls to $1.4 billion by next year and maintaining it at that level to 2030.
“Canada has work to do at home, too. Our universal, public health care system is a core part of what it means to be Canadian. It is built on a promise that no matter where you live, or what you earn, you will always be able to get the medical care you need. But right now, our health care system is not living up to that promise. That is why the Government of Canada is increasing health investments by over $198 billion over the next 10 years to improve health care for Canadians.
“Through these investments, we will support provinces and territories in their efforts to clear backlogs and support the front-line workers who are the backbone of our health care system; improve access to family health services as well as quality mental health and substance use services to support the well-being of all Canadians; and ensure patients can access their own health information and benefit from it being shared between the health professionals they see, across jurisdictions.
“On this World Health Day, as we work toward #HealthForAll, we recommit to building a world where everyone has access to timely and quality health and nutrition services. Together, we can ensure everyone, wherever they are in the world, enjoys a longer, healthier, and more prosperous life.”
