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Alberta's Health Minister Tyler Shandro (Government of Alberta - YourAlberta on YouTube)

Province reveals more details on $1.25 billion COVID-19 contingency fund

Mar 2, 2021 | 12:10 PM

CALGARY, AB – The provincial government has announced more details on its plans to assist the health care system in the fight against COVID-19.

The 2021 Alberta Budget announced last week included $23 billion in total spending for health care, which represents a $900 million increase (or four per cent) from last year.

On Tuesday, the province released more details on a one-time COVID-19 contingency fund of $1.25 billion, which is extra money set aside to help combat the pandemic.

As of now, spending has not been pre-determined for the contingency fund.

However, the province said it is likely that it will be focused on priorities such as acute and continuing care, testing and assessment centres, contact tracing, surgical backlog caused by the pandemic, personal protective equipment, support to shelters and vulnerable Albertans, and the deployment of vaccines.

Any spending of the COVID contingency fund must be approved by cabinet and the Treasury Board.

“I’m confident Alberta Health Services will be well-resourced to fight the COVID-19 pandemic with the funding being made available through Budget 2021, as well as be well-positioned to meet the health needs of Albertans in the years to come,” said Dr. Verna Yiu, president and CEO of Alberta Health Services.

Premier Jason Kenney noted that since day one of the pandemic, the province has said it will spend whatever is necessary to ensure the health system has the resources it needs to care for an protect Albertans.

“As the pandemic continues, keeping Albertans healthy is key to driving our economic recovery,” he said.

“Increased investment in health care will ensure Alberta remains a leader in vaccine administration so we can see further reopening of our economy, our lives and our livelihoods.”

Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health, said the health system has responded “swiftly and effectively” to address pressures on the health care system associated with the pandemic.

“We are staying true to our promise of prioritizing health-care funding and ensuring Albertans continue to have access to a quality and sustainable health system – whenever they need it,” he stated.

President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, Travis Toews, said Budget 2021 ensures that the province’s health care system has the resources required to deal with COVID-19.

“Alberta’s government will remain nimble to respond to the needs of Albertans as they emerge while ensuring that Alberta’s economy is on the path to recovery and growth,” Toews stated.

Full details on Budget 2021 can be found here.