News Release

1999-29
February 22, 1999

Health Minister says Budget "good news for British Columbia"

Vancouver - Health Minister Allan Rock said today that the 1999 federal Budget is good news for British Columbia and a turning point for Canada's health care system. Mr. Rock made the comments following a meeting at the University of British Columbia with representatives of the province's health research community.

Mr. Rock said, "British Columbia has a gifted research community. Its position as a national and international leader in health research will be greatly enhanced by the opportunities presented in this budget - particularly the Canadian Institutes of Health Research."

Mr. Rock noted that a number of key people from the British Columbia health care and health research communities were instrumental in developing the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) concept. As announced in the Budget, $240 million will be allocated to support the CIHR, in order to create an integrated national health research agenda aimed at improved health for Canadians, and a more efficient and effective health system.

In addition to increased support for research, British Columbians will benefit from a substantial increase in the Canada Health and Social Transfer (CHST) payment to the provinces. British Columbia will receive an additional $1.57 billion over the next five years for health care.

"The people of British Columbia want a health care system that works better for patients now, and in the 21st century," said Mr. Rock. "This investment in the 1999 Budget demonstrates the federal government's commitment to making that better system a reality for all Canadians."

In addition to increased transfer payments and funding for research, Mr. Rock said, British Columbians will also see benefits from other health related budget initiatives in the areas of rural health, prenatal nutrition, diabetes, First Nations' health, information and accountability.

"British Columbians know that quick-fixes seldom work," said Mr. Rock. "The measures in the Budget are an important down-payment on long-term improvement of the health care system. As Minister of Health, I am committed to working closely with provincial and territorial governments and the health community in achieving our shared aims."

Mr. Rock will make two specific national health research announcements in Vancouver before travelling across Canada this week in support of the federal budget.

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Derek Kent 
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