Mr. Speaker, this is my first time speaking in the House in the new year, so I want to start by wishing everyone a happy new year. I look forward to working together with colleagues from all parties at a time that demands unity.
Our government was elected last year with the promise to build Canada strong. We understand the importance of nation-building projects, and let me be clear that there is no greater nation-building project in Canada's history than the Canada Health Act. Our government will always defend and protect the Canada Health Act because we recognize that our universal health care system underpins our economic strength. To build Canada strong, we need healthy Canadians.
This is reflected in budget 2025, which makes generational investments in health care. We are investing $5 billion in building Canada's health care infrastructure, in attracting top research talents from around the world and in a comprehensive assessment of health care and health infrastructure needs in the north. These are critical investments that will build Canada's health care capacity from coast to coast to coast. Whether it is helping to build a new hospital or attracting researchers who will make their scientific breakthroughs here in Canada, our government is demonstrating in budget 2025 that we are doing our part.
It is deeply disappointing that the member for Edmonton Strathcona voted against the budget. At a time when we need to make generational investments, it is sad to see that she and many members of her party would rather play politics than build up health care across the country, including in Alberta.
In building our health care capacity, we of course need to work closely with our provincial and territorial partners. We have always been clear that, if a province or territory needs help in delivering health care to it citizens, we are there to help because we recognize that access to medically necessary health care should be based on medical needs, not someone's ability to pay.
By working with our provincial and territorial partners, and most importantly, by making key investments that build up health care infrastructures from coast to coast to coast, we will make sure that universal health care continues to be Canada's defining nation-building project and achievement.