By Canadian Press

Federal government signs $3.1-billion health accord deal with Ontario

Feb 9, 2024 | 7:49 AM

OTTAWA — Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a $3.1-billion deal with Ottawa to improve access to primary health care.

Ontario is the fifth province to sign on for its share of the $200-billion health accord Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered to the provinces last year.

British Columbia, Alberta, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia have also signed deals.

Ontario has promised to fill health care shortages by hiring hundreds of new family doctors and nurse practitioners, as well as thousands of nurses and personal support workers. 

The province also plans to make it easier for internationally trained doctors and health workers to practice by simplifying the licensing process. 

no snow

Chances of a white Christmas for Nanaimo 'quite remote'

8h ago

vehicle damage

Over 40 vehicles damaged during late-night Nanaimo vandalism spree

15h ago

rising costs

RDN taxpayers want relief as board grapples with budget

19h ago

All provinces that agree to the deal must also work to modernize their health data systems, starting with making patient records more accessible and transferable between jurisdictions. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 9, 2024.

Laura Osman, The Canadian Press