The governments of Ontario and Canada have now signed a new healthcare deal valued at $3.1 billion.

The deal is based upon a plan in the 2023 federal budget to invest $200 billion over 10 years, which includes $46.2 billion in new funding for provinces and territories.

Components of the deal include increasing access to family doctors, reducing wait times, hiring more health care workers and ensuring fast care for Canadians including for those seeking mental health care.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau adds this also includes modernizing the system.

“But it also means that healthcare providers, whether it is your pharmacist or your specialist, can securely access your information about your health  in a more  convenient way, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for you and your family.”

The deal between Canada and Ontario means deals have been struck with five provinces with elements that target their specific needs.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford notes this deal builds upon previous successes in Ontario.

“2023 was another record year with more than 17,500 nurses registering to work, and that beat the record from the previous year, and another 30,000 nursing students in schools.”

An expansion of over 700 spots in health care education programs, including more than 70 in Northern Ontario was included in the announcement.

Additionally, the deal will make it easier for doctors and health professionals trained outside of Ontario to be able to practice in the province.