Premier Furey Announces Newfoundland and Labrador as Canada’s First Well-Being Province

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today declared Newfoundland and Labrador as Canada’s first Well-Being Province. Becoming Canada’s first Well-Being Province solidifies the targeted approach that the Provincial Government is placing on the factors that contribute to the well-being of residents and communities. As a Well-Being Province, the Provincial Government, communities, businesses, and organizations will be leaders in implementing a well-being-based approach in their policies and programs.

Premier Furey made the announcement at the Colonial Building in St. John’s where he was joined by Colin Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Sector Council.

Well-being encompasses the physical, mental, social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to a person’s health. These factors are known as the social determinants of health, and include such things as:

Access to safe housing, good food and clean water;
Financial and economic security;
Quality education; and
Equality, social connection, and safety.

To improve health outcomes, the Provincial Government has launched a Poverty Reduction Plan, a Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan, family care teams, disability benefits, as well as invested in such things as accessible housing, child care, and clean water.

Through a well-being-based approach to policy and decision making the Provincial Government will continue its commitment towards improving the overall well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians through the implementation of programs that target the social determinants of health.

Over the course of Well-Being Week, residents are encouraged to participate in the wide-ranging engaging, social, and educational events that are scheduled to take place across the province and learn more about how the social determinants of health contribute to their health and well-being. The list of events can be found here.

Quote
“Becoming Canada’s first Well-Being Province is a significant moment for Newfoundland and Labrador. By placing well-being at the forefront of policy and decision-making we will improve health outcomes for all residents. Today’s declaration strengthens our resolve to achieving our goal of becoming one of Canada’s healthiest provinces by 2031 and reducing our reliance on the provincial health care system.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Backgrounder
Well–Being Week is an initiative to create further awareness of the importance of well-being, how it affects an individual’s daily life, and how it can bring positive change to the social factors that contribute to a person’s overall health outcomes and quality of life. As health outcomes are influenced by more than health care, the province has made record investments with significant work underway to support the social determinants of health and highlight the importance of well-being.

This includes the following actions:

2024 09 23 3:23 pm