Home / Health / Canada Extends Rare Disease Funding Deal
Canada Extends Rare Disease Funding Deal
17 Oct
Summary
- Rare disease research funding extended on an ongoing basis.
- Mental health and home care funding receives a one-year extension.
- Health ministers agree on future negotiations for health transfers.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced an ongoing funding commitment for rare disease research during a meeting with provincial and territorial counterparts. The $500 million annual funding for the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases, initially set to expire next year, will now be sustained. This ensures continued support for critical research in this area.
Furthermore, Michel confirmed a one-year extension for $1.2 billion in annual funding designated for mental health, addictions, and home care. This extension, effective until next March, serves as a bridge to the upcoming fall federal budget. Health ministers agreed to initiate discussions on future Canada Health Transfers and other related agreements, with further meetings scheduled before the end of the year.
Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara, who co-chaired the meeting, expressed optimism about the federal minister's attentiveness to provincial concerns. While many funding issues remain under negotiation, provincial and territorial ministers are committed to advancing these discussions to achieve greater clarity on health-care funding.
