It's a funding request for this year to the province
The Niagara region's Public Health committee approving a request to the Ontario government for over $42.1-million in funding for this year.
The money to cover home visiting programs, oral health visits for schools, Grade 7 immunization, safe water drinking program, and infectious management from rabies and other illnesses.
Chair Joyce Morroco acknowledged provincial underfunding raised by Councillor Haley Bateman. "I think it's up to us to go back and lobby the government of the day, and say they've gotta pay up. Because this is exactly as you say, councillor, is that we're faced with so much money, and then we find out there's not as money in the budget."
Regional staff say the municipality is responsible for much of the cost, but can apply for grants.
Councillor Bateman noted the province needs to help more. "It says the funding ratio returned to 75% provincial, and 25% municipal, and an annual increase of 1%, as you've covered today. It was a previous 70/30 split, so these are my concerns."
Regional staff say they have an allotted amount of money to work with.
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