Nova Scotia is getting $1-billion in new federal healthcare funding.

The ten-year agreement was officially announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday in Halifax.

Premier Tim Houston says the funding will be used to keep building a healthcare system that will support patients and their families to get the care they need, faster.

“We are already working to transform Nova Scotia’s healthcare system so it better serves the people who rely on it,” said Houston. “We’re making investments in primary healthcare and better mental health and addictions supports. We’re investing in technology so our healthcare workers can spend their time with patients, not logging into outdated systems. We appreciate the federal government’s partnership and look forward to seeing what we’re able to accomplish together.”

The funding is part of a $198.6-billion investment by the federal government to improve healthcare for Canadians, including $46.2 billion in new funding.

Health Minister Reacts:

The province’s health minister says they’re grateful for the federal health investment.

Michelle Thompson says we could see some funds used in the upcoming budget.

“I don’t think it’s too late for that. Ideally, we would look at an investment this year and using those funds. In principle, we’ve agreed, and I think there will be work around the bilateral funds in terms of our initiatives,” said Thompson.

Thompson adds our province will use the funds to make sure the shared priorities with the federal government move in a timely fashion.

She says they’ll continue to ask for more, but this money will support the work that’s already happening.