Canada's provincial health ministers are pressing Ottawa to renew $1.2 billion in mental-health, addictions and home-care funding before the agreements expire in March 2027 — warning of a “fiscal cliff” that would put patients and health-care jobs at risk.
The ministers say the funding supports front-line mental-health services, addictions treatment and home-care programs across the country, and that without a renewal commitment in this year's federal budget, provinces will be forced to cut services.
The appeal comes as demand for mental-health services continues to outstrip supply in Canada. The ministers argue the money is among the most cost-effective in the health system, keeping people out of emergency rooms and in their communities.
