A Health Council to earn the trust of Canadians
PARLIAMENT HILL–The clock is ticking. The First Ministers agreed in the Health Accord on Feb. 5 that within three months we would have the much-anticipated Health Council of Canada. We are, however, justifiably concerned. As recently as Dec. 6, 2002, health ministers declared that such a council was unnecessary. The death-bed conversion of the First […]
Moving forward with healthcare reform
PARLIAMENT HILL–In a number of critical regards, the First Ministers’ Accord on health care, along with the federal budget of February, 2003, mark the beginning of a new phase in the evolution of Canada’s healthcare system. We have come to the end of a period of intensive inquiry into what should be done to solidify […]
Premiers’ appetite for health dollars insatiable: McLellan
OTTAWA–The provincial and territorial premiers will undoubtedly demand a new health care deal from the federal government within the next five years, predicts federal Health Minister Anne McLellan who also admits the country’s premiers have developed an insatiable appetite for additional health dollars. “If you’re asking me, ‘Will the provinces not ask for new money […]
New health spending must put patients first
PARLIAMENT HILL–Over the last decade, it has become increasingly apparent that the needs of the most important stakeholder in the Canadian healthcare system — the patient — are not being adequately met. One in five Canadians who had an encounter with the healthcare system in 2001 reported experiencing some difficulties in accessing services. According to […]
Caring for the health needs of veterans
PARLIAMENT HILL–Veterans Affairs Canada’s mission is to provide exemplary service to all of our clients, both the elderly war-service veterans and the younger Canadian Forces veterans, including still-serving members, and their families. We accomplish this, in part, through our health care and services programs such as the Veterans Independence, Residential Care, and Treatment Benefits programs. […]
Listen to the people, do the right thing PM
PARLIAMENT HILL–As we count down the days and months before Jean Chrétien leaves office as Prime Minister and Paul Martin takes over, a major challenge faces both men. Will Chrétien’s legacy be the weakening and dismantling of medicare, our universal public healthcare system, aided and abetted by the massive funding cuts by Paul Martin? Or […]
Goal: affordable and effective healthcare system
ANTIGONISH, N.S.–As most of you are aware, last year I had the privilege of leading perhaps the most comprehensive, inclusive and exhaustive effort ever to engage Canadians in a national dialogue on the future of their healthcare system. Tens of thousands of Canadians participated, speaking passionately, eloquently and thoughtfully about how to preserve and enhance […]
No more studies
PARLIAMENT HILL–According to Health Canada, the First Ministers Health Accord marks a turning point in efforts to renew health care for the 21st Century. The official statements call attention to the Health Reform Fund, directed towards primary care, home care and catastrophic drug coverage and the new Canada Health Transfer. In addition, there are additional […]
