The Federal Government is handing out $1.06 billion for healthcare in Alberta.

The money is intended to help stabilize Alberta’s primary care over the next three years.

At a joint news conference in Calgary, Federal Health Minister Mark Holland Joined Alberta’s Minister of Health, Adriana LaGrange to announce the bilateral agreement. The feds say the investment will help increase access to primary health providers, reduce wait times for mental health services, and provide greater access to health data.

“This agreement is an important step in our collaboration with Alberta to take measurable actions to transform our health care system,” said Mark Holland, Minister of Health Canada.

“Together, we will continue working to achieve better health outcomes for all Canadians.”

This funding is enabled through the new Canada-Alberta Health Funding Agreement with the federal government.

“We are committed to securing primary health care as the foundation of the entire health care system, and family physicians are fundamental to our plan,” said Alberta Minister of Health, Adriana LaGrange.

“[The funding] will help stabilize the system as we transition to a new physician comprehensive care model, so Albertans can receive the health care they need and deserve.”

Alberta will also form a Comprehensive Care Task Force in the new year, intended to provide recommendations including additional short-term actions to help family doctors continue to practice comprehensive care and bridge the gap until a new physician comprehensive care model is developed.