More provincial funding coming to local Ontario public health agencies
The provincial government will fund a greater proportion of local health agencies' work on a permanent basis while reconsidering the work those agencies do, CTV News has learned
Health Minister Sylvia Jones will make the announcement at a meeting of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) in London onTuesday.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
In 2019, the government announced it was cutting its share of public health funding, moving from a 75-25 cost-sharing formula with municipalities to 70 per cent from the province and 30 per cent from municipalities.
Following an outcry, the province backed down on retroactive cuts and offered mitigation funding to help transition to the new formula.
That funding was considered temporary, but has continued through 2023.
Jones will announce a return to the 75/25 funding formula, while increasing base funding for public health units by one percent a year for three years starting in 2024.
A plan to transition public health agencies to a 50/50 cost sharing arrangement is off the table.
Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health will work with local health agencies on a 're-levelling' of some responsibilites and roles to focus on core issues.
The Ministry of Health could not say what sort of responsibilites or programs may be taken out of the hands of public health and transferred to municipalities or the province to administer.
On Tuesday, Minister Jones will also pledge one-time transitional funding for public health agencies that wish to merge to better serve their communities.
With files from the Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sparks fly as MPs question minister on pension implications of proposed election date change
Sparks flew at a parliamentary committee Thursday as MPs questioned Canada's democratic institutions minister about a widely opposed provision in electoral reform legislation that seeks to delay the next fixed election date by one week.
'There is no electricity': Canadian travellers in Cuba urge caution in hurricane's wake
Cuba's power grid was knocked out by Hurricane Rafael, which ripped across the country as a Category 3 storm. In western Cuba, it toppled buildings and pushed 50,000 people to find shelter elsewhere. Cubans were already enduring rolling blackouts due to energy shortages.
Three charged in One Direction singer Liam Payne's death
Three people have been charged in relation to One Direction singer Liam Payne's death in a fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine authorities said on Thursday.
RCMP already 'on high alert' for potential wave of migrants after Trump election
Canada's federal police force has been preparing for months on a contingency plan for a potential massive influx of migrants across the border following Trump's promise of 'mass deportations' of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
'There was no stopping this baby from coming': Woman gives birth while aboard Newfoundland ferry
A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.
Volkswagen models recalled for airbag safety precaution
Recall notices have been issued for some Volkswagen models from 2006 to 2019 for airbag safety issues.
Canmore wildlife and landscape defender Karsten Heuer dies peacefully at 56
Canmore conservationist Karsten Heuer, who was a biologist, park ranger, author and activist, has died.
America votes: How celebrities are reacting to Trump's decisive victory
Celebrities from Hulk Hogan to Ariana Grande are sharing their reactions to the U.S. election, which will see Donald Trump return to the White House.
3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation