‘I think it is a mediocre performance,’ says Postl of wait-times
The following is testimony from Dr. Brian Postl, dean of medicine at the University of Manitoba, before the Senate’s Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee on Sept. 29. The committee is reviewing the 2004 Health Accord. Dr. Postl served 11 years as the CEO of the Winnipeg Health Region and also authored the 2005 […]
Moving to modern IT a big cultural change in health care
In Canada and elsewhere, early investments in electronic health records were based on the promise and potential to transform health care, just as computers have changed so many other aspects of our lives. We’ve now passed the tipping point. Today, we are investing in areas with demonstrated benefits for Canadians in terms of access, […]
Health-care system is sustainable, but changes needed
The aim of the 10-year Health Accord, signed in 2004, between then Liberal prime minister Paul Martin and provincial/territorial governments, was to “fix medicare for a generation.” The accord was funded ($41-billion) with an annual six per cent escalator clause. The overarching goal was to provide health care to Canadians that they need, in […]
Harper government recognizes need to invest in chronic disease and aging now
Canada’s population is aging. By 2036, seniors will account for 25 per cent of Canada’s total population—that’s an estimated 10 million Canadian seniors. While Canadians are living longer, they are not necessarily healthier. Almost 90 per cent of seniors aged 65 and over have at least one chronic disease or condition with the top […]
Feds want to build a more sustainable health-care system to provide results for patients
Canadians expect their health-care system to be there when they need it most, which is why our government is committed to working with the provinces and territories to build a more sustainable health-care system that provides results for patients. We are committed to achieve this goal through a universal, publicly-funded health-care system and to […]
Federal public service cuts compounding stress on Canada’s labour force: PSAC
Recent studies show that stress and mental illness are taking their toll on Canadian workers. As the Mental Health Commission finalizes a federally-funded mental health strategy, the Public Service Alliance of Canada is raising awareness of the impact of looming government cutbacks on federal public servants. In an open letter sent to Prime Minister […]
Health associations want a first ministers’ meeting on health care
While health-care professionals are encouraged by Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq’s recent statements on improving the accountability and efficiency of health care delivery in Canada, organizations such as the Canadian Medical Association and the Heath Council of Canada say federal-provincial dialogue on the future of Canada’s health care system needs to start now. “We are […]
Is innovation policy an oxymoron?
OTTAWA–The above quote from the 1994 auditor general report on an innovation society and the role of government flags what many of us already know—innovation matters and innovativeness resides fundamentally in people and their practices. By embracing innovation, the AG report also underscored that Canadian governments and their public service could easily become world […]
Innovation and productivity: why aren’t we doing better?
Despite all the self-congratulatory chest thumping about our economy being the envy of the world, two areas of our performance are persistently troubling. We are lagging in innovation and productivity. Economists warn of the dangers of ignoring the trend lines, but the prescription to solve the problems is not universally agreed upon. Economists and […]
We need to make better connections to attract global investment
OTTAWA—Today’s global innovation race involves a complex web of connections. Researchers collaborate across disciplines, institutions, and borders to exchange ideas and share resources. Funding partners support research that has merit. And private-sector leaders lend their entrepreneurial spirit to the entire research enterprise. To succeed in this race, nations need to foster these connections through […]
