This week, Federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland released the 2024 federal budget, “Fairness for Every Generation,” found here.
EnterpriseHealth has highlighted the following pieces that are relevant to AFHTO members:
International Health Care workers
- Budget 2024 proposes to provide $77.1 million over four years, starting in 2025-26, to more effectively integrate internationally educated health care professionals into Canada’s health workforce by creating 120 specific training positions, increasing assessment capacity and providing support to navigate credential recognition systems.
More Rural Health and Social Services Workers
- Budget 2024 announces the government’s intent to introduce amendments to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act and the Canada Student Loans Act to permanently expand the reach of the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program to more health care and social services professionals working in rural and remote communities:
• Dentists;
• Dental hygienists;
• Pharmacists;
• Midwives;
• Teachers;
• Social workers;
• Personal support workers;
• Physiotherapists; and,
• Psychologists.
Pharmacare
- Budget 2024 proposes to provide $1.5 billion over five years, starting in 2024-25, to Health Canada to support the launch of the National Pharmacare Plan.
Any questions on the budget can be sent to us at info@afhto.ca.