Our government has the ambitious goal of making Newfoundland and Labrador one of the healthiest provinces in Canada by 2031. Building on the actions we have taken to make better use of our considerable investment in health care to improve access to services, as well as the great work of Health Accord NL, our investments will create healthier communities and transform our health care system.

COVID-19

Close to $100 million continues to be available for pressures associated with COVID-19. This will allow us to respond to demands for such things as personal protective equipment, testing and supporting vaccinations.

Promoting Physical Activity

Improving access to more active lifestyles and creating a culture where Newfoundlanders and Labradorians place greater emphasis on living healthier is integral in achieving better health outcomes. It also has the added benefit of supporting the local health and wellness industry. Budget 2021 includes:

• A new Physical Activity Tax Credit, which will provide a refundable tax credit up to $2,000 per  family. This credit, estimated at $7 million, will be a helpful incentive for families as they look to access sport and recreational activities. It also holds the added benefit of supporting the local health and wellness industry.
• $6.3 million to support recreation, physical activity, athlete and sport development, as well as encourage active healthy lifestyles for people of all ages and abilities.
• $3 million to support the City of St. John’s to host the 2025 Canada Games. The Games will create hundreds of new jobs, stimulate interest in fitness and generate upwards of $110 million in economic spending.

Healthier Choices

Chronic diseases impact the health of the population as well as the sustainability of the health care system. Over half of Newfoundland and Labrador residents aged 12 years and older have at least one chronic disease; many people live with more than one. To help address social determinants of health, Budget  2021 includes:

• A 20 cent per litre sugar sweetened beverage tax, which will be implemented on April 1, 2022. This will position Newfoundland and Labrador as a leader in Canada and will help avoid future demands on the health care system.
• More than $1 million for continued support of the Kids Eat Smart Foundation, which supports the education, health, and well-being of school aged children through nutrition.
• A three cent increase per cigarette and a six cent per gram increase on fine cut tobacco. The rebate rate for Labrador Border Zones will increase by three cents for cigarettes and six cents per gram for fine cut tobacco.
• $1.8 million to prevent and reduce tobacco and vaping use. This approach includes public education, community-based and school initiatives, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador Smokers’ Helpline, and the Provincial Smoking Cessation Program for Individuals Living with Low Income.

Better Services; Better Outcomes

Key to realizing better health outcomes is providing value-based health care that focuses on timely access to care, prevention and addressing barriers to services. Budget 2021 includes:

• $9.8 million for the Medical Transportation Assistance Program to support individuals and families who travel for care.
• $30,000 to provide sanitary products free of charge in the K-12 schools.
• $8.6 million to fund new drugs under the provincial Prescription Drug Program to treat cancer and other illnesses.
• $3.3 million for the expanded Insulin Pump Program.

Positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a Leader in eHealth/Telemedicine

Technology is critical to health care delivery and sustainability, and ultimately enhances patient care. This importance has been heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. By adopting greater innovation in the area of eHealth, we will improve access to health care, in particular mental health and pharmacy services. Budget 2021 allocates:

• $3.3 million for the nurse practitioner virtual care service through 811.
• $715,700 for mental health services through 811.

Addressing Mental Health and Addictions

Developing programs, and through stepped care for mental health and addictions and providing access to evidence-based services, is leading to improved access at the community level. To sustain progress in this important area of our health care system, Budget 2021 includes:

• $29 million towards the continued construction of a new mental health and addictions hospital, and associated projects, in St. John’s. The new hospital will open in late 2024.
• $4.8 million towards the completion of the mental health unit at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The new unit will open in Spring 2022.

Seniors and Inclusive Communities

Our government is unwavering in its commitment to supporting older adults and seniors remain healthy, active and engaged. Budget 2021 maintains such supports as:

• More than $56 million for the Seniors’ Benefit, which supports approximately 49,000 seniors and their families annually.
• $300,000 for the Community Transportation Program, which helps communities and organizations design and implement alternate transportation programs.
• $300,000 for SeniorsNL to support information and referral services for seniors and those who support seniors.
• $200,000 for the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative which supports initiatives that promote social inclusion, including a focus on an intergenerational program guide to increase interaction between youth and adults.