On Feb 9th 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford announced a new federal investment of $3.1 billion towards the Ontario health care system.

The announcement was made last Friday at the nursing school wing of Seneca College in King City, Ont.

Jason Powell, former senior dean-faculty of health sciences and wellness at Humber College, said he started working in health care in 1997 as a registered nurse and believes Canada has one of the best health care systems in the world.

He said any funding geared towards employment is always welcome news. If more students go out, get jobs, and do more good things for Ontarians, it means more access.

“If the system works the way that it should, meaning there are increased opportunities, and we produce the graduates and those graduates get those opportunities, then certainly Ontarians are going to have an increased access, and that will include students,” Powell said.

The funding is part of the Canadian government’s larger investment of more than $200 billion to improve health care.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the 10-year agreement will give more people the convenient, close-to-home care they need.

“Right across the province, we’re making historic investments in health care to build more hospitals, bring on more doctors and nurses, expand home and community care, and reduce wait times,” he said. “We look forward to continuing working with our federal partners to ensure Ontarians get the health care they need and deserve.”

The agreement is set to give better and faster health-care access for Ontarians. The aim is to increase access to primary care, reduce wait times and hire more health-care staff.

Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said Ontario is making “historic investments” to help improve the patient experience through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care.

“As we continue to put our bold plan into action, today’s agreement will complement our ongoing work to ensure Ontarians have unparalleled access to convenient care in their communities, no matter where they live,” she said.

The investment will aid the province in carrying out its health plan that will help people connect with more family doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and health teams.

It will also make it easier for internationally trained doctors and health professionals to practice in Ontario.

Part of the funding will also support students enrolled in health-care education programs, and help practicing professionals learn new skills.

Powell said he believes these advancements are important to making Canada’s healthcare system great.

“I’m always optimistic because you know, we do have the best health care system in the world,” he said. “And I think that all in all, it’s a good news story for Ontarians that are seeking access to care.”

Trudeau said mental health would be a central pillar of this investment as Ontario will open five new youth wellness hubs to add to the 22 that have opened since 2020.

While the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) appreciates the federal funding it feels more resources are needed to address the long-term issues within the health care system.

Source : Humber News