Statement from the Minister of Health and Wellness

Minister of Health and Wellness Cory Deagle issued the following statement: 

Federal health transfers and targeted funding agreements play a direct and essential role in sustaining health care in Prince Edward Island. Given our size and unique pressures, any changes to these agreements have an immediate impact on the services Islanders rely on every day.

We are encouraged that the federal government has agreed to continue discussions on these important funding agreements. These partnerships have supported critical initiatives across the province, including improving access to medications and expanding mental health and substance use services, as well as strengthening long term care and home and community care.

As several agreements approach their expiry over the next few years, we are mindful of the significant financial pressures this will create, with an estimated shortfall of nearly $31 million annually by 2029 to 2030 if they are not renewed. 

Adding to this potential shortfall, the growth of the Canada Health Transfer is set to decrease from 5% in 2027-28 down to 3% in 2028-29 while the cost of delivering essential health care services continues to grow.

The Federal Minister has reached out to meet with me, and I’m encouraged by the negotiations already underway to extend the Working Together agreement. This agreement provides important stability, and I remain committed to working collaboratively with our federal and provincial/territorial partners to build on that momentum.

A meeting with federal Health Minister Michel has been set for early May. My hope is that by working together, we can find a path forward that ensures predictable, sustainable funding and continues to strengthen health care for all Islanders.

Media Contact:
Autumn Tremere
Health and Wellness
agtremere@gov.pe.ca