Federal-Provincial Safe Restart Agreement
On July 16, 2020, the Canadian federal and provincial governments announced a safe restart agreement to provide additional funding for COVID-19-related measures across the country. This agreement is aimed at ensuring that all Canadians have access to the healthcare services and supports they need during this challenging time.
The agreement provides $19 billion in federal funding to the provinces and territories over the next six to eight months. This funding will be used to support critical priorities, such as enhanced testing and contact tracing, healthcare system capacity, and assistance for vulnerable populations.
Under the agreement, the federal government will provide funding to the provinces and territories for the following areas:
1. Enhanced Testing and Contact Tracing: To improve the capacity for testing and contact tracing, the federal government will provide funding for the procurement of supplies, equipment, and personnel. This will help to identify and isolate COVID-19 cases quickly and prevent the spread of the virus.
2. Healthcare System Capacity: To ensure that the healthcare system has the capacity to respond to the needs of Canadians during the pandemic, the federal government will provide funding for additional healthcare personnel, medical equipment, and supplies. This will help to reduce wait times for medical procedures and provide urgent care to those who need it most.
3. Support for Vulnerable Populations: To ensure that vulnerable populations, such as seniors, Indigenous Peoples, and those experiencing homelessness, have access to the support they need, the federal government will provide funding to the provinces and territories. This will help to alleviate the economic and social impacts of the pandemic and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.
Overall, this safe restart agreement represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of Canadians. By working together, the federal and provincial governments are taking steps to protect Canadians and build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system in the face of COVID-19.