IQALUIT, Nunavut –
Nunavut and the federal government are spending nearly $36 million to improve access to health care in the territory.
The agreement announced in Iqaluit aims to increase the number of Inuit working in healthcare.
The goal is to assist in the recruitment and retention of caregivers and to help remote communities identify their health care needs.
The deal also calls for improving obstetric and addiction services.
Ottawa has committed $23.6 million to the three-year program, with the remaining funds coming from the territory.
A separate agreement calls for the federal government to contribute an additional $12 million to expand long-term care and home care in the area.
“These agreements … mean better care for the people who live here in their communities,” Federal Health Minister Mark Holland said on Tuesday.
“Nunavut has its own unique needs and priorities, and these agreements will ensure Nunavummiut receive better health care throughout their lives.”
Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Deputy Minister of Health, said the agreements would help provide better addiction and mental health services.
“Federal support will help strengthen the capacity of family health providers to provide culturally informed care to provide timely, high-quality mental health and substance abuse support, with a particular focus on the needs of Inuit people.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2024.
“Travel aficionado. Twitter scholar. Writer. Extreme coffee guru. Evil pop culture fanatic.”