“While inflation continues to come down for the ninth month in a row, in Budget 2023, our government is delivering new, targeted inflation relief for Canadians who need it most, and providing immediate support to strengthen public health care for Canadians,” said Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
According to the federal government, a hypothetical single mother with one child and $30,000 in net income will receive $386.50 for groceries, while a single senior with $20,000 in net income would receive $233.50 for groceries.
Canada Health Transfer
Bill C-46 will also provide an additional $2 billion to the Canadian Health Transfer (CHT), which was previously announced in February 2022. According to the federal government, this money will help to alleviate “immediate pressures in healthcare systems” across Canada.This $2 billion builds on previous CHT top-ups that total $6.5 billion provided throughout COVID-19, according to the federal government. In exchange for the funding, provinces and territories will be expected to improve how health information is collected, shared, and reported to Canadians to help manage public health emergencies and deliver better health outcomes.
“As we continue our work with provinces and territories to strengthen health care services, this investment will help address the immediate pressures, especially in pediatric hospitals, emergency rooms, and surgical and diagnostic backlogs,” said Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos.