Good afternoon, Mr. Chair and members of the committee. My name is Carlo Beaudoin. I am the chief financial officer for the Public Health Agency of Canada. I am here today with Elaine Chatigny, who is our assistant deputy minister of the health security infrastructure branch. It is our pleasure to be here today.
Budget 2016 proposes to provide $129.5 million over five years, starting in 2016-17, to seven departments and agencies to implement programming focused on building the science base to inform decision-making, protecting the health and well-being of Canadians, building resilience in the north and indigenous communities, and enhancing competitiveness in key economic sectors.
For the Public Health Agency of Canada, the 2016-17 supplementary estimates (A) would increase spending authorities by $1.7 million to a total of $591.4 million. This increase is in support of new funding for climate change announced in budget 2016. The Government of Canada has committed to working with international partners to reach global agreements anchored in science and leading toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
This funding of $1.7 million will be used for year 1 of the program. The agency will be returning to request additional funding for years 2 through 5 in the fall of 2016, for a total investment of $9 million over five years. This means $1.8 million per year, if we include employee benefits and accommodations.
With this new funding, the Public Health Agency of Canada will provide the public health focus on climate change adaptation with respect to the spread of infectious diseases at the national level. We will work closely with provinces and territories in this regard.
The new program will provide funding for enhanced surveillance and monitoring on Lyme disease and related vectors in collaboration with provinces and territories; development of public health tools, such as risk assessments and risk modelling; enhanced laboratory diagnostics; health professional education and awareness activities; and partner and stakeholder engagement.
This investment fulfills the Public Health Agency of Canada's role in supporting the government to deliver on its budget 2016 commitment to help Canadians adapt to the impacts of climate change and to protect the health and well-being of Canadians.
We're happy to address any questions from members of the committee. Thank you.