As more people are vaccinated, government is working hard to keep people safe. Budget 2021 allocates $900 million in 2021/22 to support the Province’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• COVID-19 vaccines for every British Columbian.
• Testing and contact tracing, expanded flu immunization and improved access to health services for rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
• Screening staff for COVID-19 at long-term care and assisted living facilities to keep seniors safe.

Budget 2021 includes significant investments to continue to strengthen B.C. health care so people know that help is there when they need it.

Budget 2021 also invests:

• $585 million to train and hire up to 3,000 people as health care workers.
• $45 million to help address systemic racism against Indigenous people in the health care system.
• $68 million to increase the number of care aides and community care providers to deliver quality home care to help seniors with daily living.
• $12 million to provide seniors with complex needs care from the comfort of their homes.

Through the largest investment ever made in British Columbians’ mental health, Budget 2021 will continue the expansion of mental health and substance use supports to better connect people to culturally safe and effective care. This includes $500 million in new funding over the fiscal plan to expand mental health and addictions services.

• $97 million to build a better network of mental health supports for youth.
• $14 million for the First Nations Health Authority to deliver mental health and addictions services to Indigenous Peoples.
• $330 million to provide a full spectrum of substance-use treatment and recovery services, including opioid treatment.
• 195 new substance use treatment and recovery beds throughout the province to help more people get on a path to recovery.

Budget 2021 continues to focus on building critical health infrastructure through $7.8 billion in capital investments over the fiscal plan period. The investments will support new major construction projects, and upgrading of health facilities, medical and diagnostic equipment and technology systems.