Factsheet: The Northern Wellness Approach

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Also available in Inuktitut

April 2012

News Release: Minister Aglukkaq streamlines northern health funding processes

The Government of Canada's new Northern Wellness Approach addresses the unique challenge of delivering health promotion and disease prevention programming in Canada's three territories.

The approach was developed by Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.  It simplifies reporting and evaluation requirements for a suite of community-based health programs with the aim to improve health outcomes in the territories. 

The Northern Wellness Approach combines the administration of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada community-based programs into three clusters:

• Mental Wellness and Addictions;
• Healthy Child and Youth Development; and
• Healthy Living and Disease Prevention. 

Funding for all three areas is provided through one single agreement to reduce reporting requirements and create flexibility for recipients. Eligible recipients will submit one comprehensive health plan to address priorities. The health plan replaces separate program applications and/or project proposals.

Since April 1, 2011, reporting requirements have been reduced from more than 125 pages to 15 pages.

The five-year Northern Wellness Approach portfolio contribution agreement with the Government of Nunavut provides $11-million in community-based funding for the first year.

Negotiations are taking place with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Yukon to establish Northern Wellness Approach agreements in those territories.