Canada fares better than the U.S. on value for health-care dollars, but lags behind other developed nations
Here’s a fact most Canadians probably don’t know: Canadians live longer than people in the United States. Specifically, women in Canada live an average of 83 years, compared to 80 in the United States; men live over 78 years on average compared to 75 in the United States. Why is this the case? There […]
Growing demand on need to tackle income inequality
A disturbing but fleeting fact graced the news of the day on Jan. 2, 2014. As of 1:11 p.m. on Jan. 2, top CEO compensation had exceeded what the average Canadian worker would earn all year. That average Canadian earned just under $47,000 in 2012. It took the top 100 CEOs of Canada just over […]
‘We need a government to say sugary drinks are not cool’
NEW YORK CITY—During my recent visit to Canada, I had a chance to meet Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, an obesity expert for EvidenceNetwork.ca and an assistant professor in family medicine at the University of Ottawa. He is also the founder and medical director of Canada’s Bariatric Medicine Institute, so I figured he knew a thing […]
How an inadequate minimum wage linked to poorer health outcomes, for everyone
At some point of almost every day in my office, I feel frustrated and powerless. At that moment, I find myself standing with my patient on the edge of a chasm: ill health lies in the crevasse below, good health lies on the other side. And we cannot, between us, build the bridge to […]
Informal caregivers critical in confronting dementia challenge
Approximately 750,000 Canadians have some form of dementia—a progressive, terminal illness of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. By 2031, that number will double to 1.4 million. The direct and indirect costs of caring for Canadians with dementia are projected to rise from the present $33-billion, to nearly $300-billion by 2040. That’s more […]
Comparing U.S., Canadian health-care systems
NEW YORK CITY—One thing Americans and Canadians can agree on is that we don’t want each other’s health-care systems. In truth, most Americans don’t know how Canada’s system works and Canadians don’t know much about the U.S. system. What Americans know has come mainly from the negative talking points of politicians and others who […]
Wait times a matter of management, leadership
Dealing with the problem of long wait times for primary care physicians, specialists, procedures, and emergency rooms is a management issue. Long wait times are a consequence of poorly organized, poorly coordinated and unintegrated care, not simply an issue of funding. This was well-recognized by provinces and the federal government. As a result, in […]
Feds’ lack of leadership impacts Canadians dealing with chronic illness
Despite calls from health-care organizations, health practitioners, and the NDP, the Conservative government continues to walk away from its commitments to health care. With no one at the wheel, Canada’s health-care system is fragmenting and will not be able to meet the needs of the future. An important change of direction could reduce costs, […]
Striving for best possible health outcomes
Canadians are among the healthiest people in the world. We are living longer and enjoying more quality years in good health than ever before. We are also living in a time and place of remarkable progress in medical technology. Research and development are contributing enormously to faster diagnoses and more effective treatments. Modern information […]
Health Accord ‘fell short,’ says Health Canada briefing notes
Recently-released briefing notes on the future of the Canada Health Accord prepared for Health Minister Rona Ambrose make it clear that the federal government has no plans to strike a new long-term agreement on health care with the provinces and territories. The documents, prepared for Ms. Ambrose (Edmonton-Spruce Grove, Alta.) following her appointment to […]
