Health ministers win a one-year funding bridge, but no long-term deal

One-year extension of health programs

1.2 billion $

Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel extended expiring funding for mental health, substance-use treatment and home care for at least one year. She said it represents $1.2 billion.

"The work is starting today. It's not like a big announcement – it's a bridging."

— Marjorie Michel, federal health minister

Provinces and territories want the Canada Health Transfer to grow at least 5 per cent a year, not the 3 per cent expected in 2028. Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones said a one-year extension of a 10-year deal does not fill them with a lot of joy.

What's next

Ministers will meet again by December, and Ottawa says the next talks will be on the Canada Health Transfer and bilateral deals. The federal budget arrives this fall, on a date not yet announced.