Ottawa to extend $1.2B in funding for home care, mental health services

OTTAWA — The federal government says it plans to extend funding to provinces and territories for mental health, addictions and home care by one year.

Health Minister Marjorie Michel says in a social media post that the announced extension represents $1.2 billion in funding.

Michel’s post comes after provincial health ministers expressed worry about “profound and negative” effects on patients and health care jobs if the federal funding agreements aren’t renewed in this year’s budget.

Provinces and territories also raised concerns earlier this month about the future of the Canada Health Transfer.