The Nunavut government and the federal Department of Indigenous Services have signed a new interim agreement that will cover uninsured health benefits and medical travel costs in Nunavut until next spring.
Nunavut Health Minister John Maine announced the $190 million contract Thursday during the opening spring session of the Legislative Assembly in Iqaluit.
The funding comes directly from Indigenous Services Canada, which covers a range of health services, including vision and dental care, for Inuit and First Nations through its Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.
The agreement is retroactive to April 1, 2023 and also includes additional funding to assist with increasing medical travel costs.
Main added that the two-year agreement addresses the Department of Health's “current financial challenges” and will allow the two levels of government to work together on a long-term arrangement.
Mayne thanked Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu and federal Health Minister Mark Holland for their support in getting the agreement done.
“This brings us closer to a Canada where everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to the services they need and a fair chance to succeed,” Hajdu said in a statement Thursday.
During the winter legislative session, Maine explained the underfunding of the Uninsured Care Benefits program.
In February, he said Nunavut had “no choice” but to recommend the territory turn over management of the program to the Canadian government.
During a visit to Iqaluit in March, Holland said he recognized Nunavut needed “better reporting.”
In an interview Thursday, Maine said the agreement came after lengthy negotiations with the federal government and that he's grateful that Indigenous Services Canada is supporting the territory's health care needs.
Main said more than halfway through the two-year contract period, negotiations were underway to secure long-term funding when the deal expires in March next year.
“Our position has not changed in that Indigenous Services Canada needs to fully fund this program and we will continue to work with them,” Main said.
“We are never satisfied with the status quo and are always looking for ways to improve. [health services]. “
Jeff Pelletier, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiak News