British Columbia has become the first province to sign a tailored funding agreement with the federal government as part of the $196 billion health deal presented by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this year.

The deal would see Ottawa transfer $1.2 billion to British Columbia over three years.

Federal Health Minister Mark Holland said at a news conference at Vancouver General Hospital on Tuesday that the funding comes with a commitment to support B.C.’s health system federally for the next 10 years.

“Best of the world”

Mark Holland said this support is aimed at transforming Canada’s health care system from one of the best in the world best of the world.

In turn, the province developed a plan to improve patient access to family medicine and multidisciplinary mental health and addiction services.

She also agreed to work with the First Nations Health Authority to improve access to culturally appropriate and trauma-informed treatment and care.

The province will increase access to mental health and addiction services as the overdose crisis continues at an unrelenting pace despite the declaration of a public health emergency in April 2016.

British Columbia’s Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside said the agreement supports her plans to make it easier for young people to access treatment and recovery services. so that more young people can receive the free, confidential and timely care they need, right in their own community.

British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix said the agreement will allow the government to support its healthcare workers across the province.

This bilateral agreement with the Government of Canada will help us provide the health services and access people need, rely on and are empowered.

This bilateral agreement is part of a national health agreement that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau proposed to the provinces in February in response to the ongoing health crisis. To date, all provinces and territories, with the exception of Quebec, have agreed in principle to the agreement.