Jane Philpott and Mental Health Services

prescription drugs: That theme could apply to many of the ministries dealing with social policy, according to Toronto Star. Highlights include:Health Minister Jane Philpott will negotiate a new health accord with the provinces and territories that should come with long-term funding and include improved access to homecare and mental health services, as well as federal participation in the bulk-purchasing plan the provinces started building in 2010 to get better prices for prescription drugs. All Canadian children deserve a real and fair chance to succeed, and all Canadians should be able to live with dignity, Trudeau wrote in his letter to Jean-Yves Duclos, minister for families, children and social development. Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett will work with Finance Minister Bill Morneau to remove the 2-per-cent cap on annual funding increases for First Nations programs, as well as invest in improving the quality of on-reserve education, but the letter was silent on ending boil-water advisories. As minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Duclos will also oversee efforts to boost federal spending on affordable and seniors’ housing. Duclos and Bennett will together launch consultations to set up a National Early Learning and Childcare Framework as a first step towards delivering affordable, high-quality, flexible and fully inclusive child care. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.