Toronto Public Health concerned possible provincial funding changes could spell cuts

In a presentation at the TPH budget committee this week, staff said a number of programs would be at risk if the province follows through on a previous plan to slash its share of funding for public health units.The proposed funding model for public health units in the 2019 budget reduced the provincial share to 70 per cent, with the goal of reducing it further to 60-40 in the following year and 50-50 the year after that.

If that happens, the programs at highest risk of cuts include the harm reduction program with Shelter, Support and Housing, which is fully funded by the city, as well as a safe injection program for people trying to get off opioids, and various capital projects. “I would characterize it as more than devastating,” Hutchinson said when asked about the impact if the province proceeds with the original plan, which would eventually see an estimated $100 million in provincial funding cut from the TPH budget.

“Yesterday the Minister met with the Association of Local Public Health Agencies , including Dr. Eileen De Villa. In that meeting the Minister reassured ALPHA and Dr. De Villa there will be no changes to the cost-sharing ratio and that our government will continue to invest in public health.” In fact the city has not yet received confirmation of the provincial funding formula for 2023, though staff are not expecting any dramatic changes for this year.Jones’ office did not clarify when asked explicitly whether the formula will remain unchanged for 2024.

He also pointed out that Ontario recently received billions of dollars in additional federal funding through a new health accord with the provinces.

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