My apologies. It's Nunavut Internet at its best—average.
The territory has lost hundreds of millions of dollars by covering costs not fully covered under the NIHB. This is lost funding that we could have been funnelling into improving health care programs, services and infrastructure here in Nunavut.
Over the last four years, our respective governments have been working together in negotiations towards a resolution. I'm pleased to advise that recently we have seen movement. Since the 2020-21 fiscal year, the Government of Canada has agreed to an increase in the medical travel copayment amount, a notional $20-million increase to the NIHB contribution agreement, as well as a supplemental $58-million contribution agreement intended to cover remaining incurred NIHB expenses, an interim measure to facilitate these discussions. While we're still in negotiations, opportunities like this one here today allow us to listen, ask questions and educate each other to ensure we're working together for a common cause.
It's expected that a long-term agreement between the federal government and Nunavut will be reached before the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year, an achievement both parties can be proud of. As we move towards this milestone, the Department of Health will continue to collaborate with the Government of Canada to ensure that services are accessible and provided to Nunavummiut.
Another area of concern I'd like to mention briefly is the provision of dental services and eye exams. Like many jurisdictions across Canada, Nunavut is facing a backlog in these areas due to COVID-19, which is impacting our residents. Aside from the shorter-term challenge, there is a larger question around whether the number of service days established within the NIHB will be sufficient to meet the dental and eye needs of Nunavut residents in the longer term.
Once again, matna. I look forward to answering any questions. My apologies for the technical difficulties.