Minister Thompson announces investments of more than $4.8 million to prevent chronic disease and improve health

Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, on behalf of the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced more than $4.8 million in funding through the Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund for projects that will promote health in communities across Canada.

June 24, 2026 | St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador | Public Health Agency of Canada

Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, on behalf of the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced more than $4.8 million in funding through the Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund for projects that will promote health in communities across Canada.

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease, remain among the leading causes of illness and death in Canada. These conditions can reduce quality of life, increase pressure on health systems and disproportionately affect people facing social and economic barriers to health.

The projects announced today will help address key risk factors linked to chronic disease by improving access to healthy food, strengthening community supports and creating healthier environments for people experiencing health inequalities.

Food First NL is receiving more than $2.6 million for its Great Things in Store project. The project works with grocery stores and local retailers, where most families already do their shopping, to make healthy food more affordable and accessible. It will support long-term solutions for healthy eating across Newfoundland and Labrador, especially for households with low income and in smaller and remote communities where fresh options can be harder to come by.