N.W.T. receives millions to improve health care

Health Canada announced today that the N.W.T. is set to benefit from over $144.8 million in government funding to improve health care in the territory.

"All Canadians want the same thing — a health care system that works," said Health Minister Marjorie Michel in a statement.

The funding comes from two different streams.

The first, labelled Working Together, aims to make it easier for people to access health care. The federal government has earmarked $51.2 million over the next seven years to fund the training and recruitment of physicians, as well as integrating primary health-care teams so the system is easier to navigate. Some of this money will also go toward mental health and substance use services, including culturally appropriate mental wellness and suicide prevention programs.

The second pot of money, the Build Communities Strong Fund, is for infrastructure. The federal government plans to invest $70.2 million for 16 health infrastructure projects in 12 communities, while the territory kicks in $23.4 million.

Details on those projects have yet to be released.

"Improving access to health care in the North takes a long-term commitment and a partnership that recognizes the realities of our territory," said Premier R.J. Simpson in a news release. "The Northwest Territories is different from other parts of Canada, and the way we plan, fund and deliver health care needs to reflect that."