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NLIS 5
June 19, 2001 
(Executive Council)
(Health and Community Services)

 

 Provincial investment in health care fundraising initiatives unprecedented

The provincial government is investing up to $30 million in health fundraising initiatives throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The largest investment will support a $40 million campaign announced in St. John's last week. Premier Roger Grimes announced Friday an unprecedented $2:1 fundraising gift matching program which will see the provincial government invest up to $20 million in the Give to Feel Good campaign. This investment is believed to be the largest contribution to a health fundraising campaign by a provincial government in all of Canada. Furthermore, Premier Grimes challenged campaign organizers at the launch to raise as extra $5 million which he said government would also support $2:1.

Government will also invest up to another $10 million to match $1:1 other fundraising initiatives of health care foundations in the capital region and around the province. The total $30 million funding program is significant, and will help meet the need for modern medical equipment and technology that is absolutely essential to the delivery of health care in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

"Our goal is to work together in partnership to create a national health standard both in our province's specialized health care centre � the Health Sciences Centre � and throughout the remainder of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Premier Grimes. "That's why we have committed on behalf of the people such a substantial amount of money for health sector fundraising. It's important that we continue to modernize our health system by purchasing new equipment and up-to-date technology."

Premier Grimes said that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have told the provincial government that health is their number one priority. That's why 44 cents of every program dollar in government's budget now goes to the health and community services sector.

Gerald Smith, Acting Minister of Health and Community Services, said it takes more than government to ensure our health system is performing to the best of its ability. "We need the support of volunteers all around the province to help us purchase the equipment and technology that allows our physicians, nurses and other health professionals to carry out their jobs effectively," said Minister Smith. "Government thanks volunteers from the health foundations and auxiliaries for their hard work, and extends appreciation to the individuals and private companies who give so generously to health fundraising initiatives."

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, (709) 729-1377.

2001 06 19                                                      3:45 p.m.


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