CIHR and health research: exceptional value, says Bernstein
Health research is transforming our lives and our health-care system. From understanding the most intimate molecular secrets of the cancer cell, to the sequencing of the SARS virus genome and the development of a SARS vaccine, to the discovery of new drugs and transplantation procedures to prevent or cure diabetes, to a scientific evaluation of […]
Kirby’s Senate Committee looking into mental illness and addiction
Thank you for inviting the chair and deputy chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to provide an overview of their work in the important field of health and health care. The committee has been very busy over the last three years dealing with critical issues surrounding health and health […]
‘We cannot afford to wait any longer’
In many ways, Health Minister Anne McLellan could be considered one of Cabinet’s luckiest members. Whenever the strings of the public purse loosen, she seems to get a big chunk of the pie, if not the biggest. That’s what happens when you’re in charge of Canada’s No. 1 priority. Then again, given the state of […]
Paul Martin’s shameful health-care legacy: Merrifield
As Paul Martin prepares to move into 24 Sussex, Canadians have noticed a distinct lack of clarity as to where he stands on the key issues of the day. It falls, then, to look back on his record as finance minister and right-hand man of the outgoing Prime Minister for a possible preview of what […]
Health Council now appears pointless
Nearly one year has now passed since the Report of the Romanow Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada was tabled, and little has changed. Many of the concerns outlined in the report remain unaddressed: Canadians are still forced to contend with waiting lists for surgeries, diagnostic services, specialists, treatments, and even to […]
Powerful pharma companies opposed to humanitarian aid
It’s not surprising that one of the most important health-care considerations facing Canadians these days is also the most complex and difficult to explain, let alone resolve. This is the world of prescription drugs, a medical necessity for millions, subject to intense regulation by government, the object of study by the bureaucracy and a Parliamentary […]
Quality health care: where do official languages fit in?
As Canadians continue the national debate on our health-care system, the phrase “quality health care” is a refrain repeated by many. It’s what everyone wants, but how is it defined? Quality means different things to different people. Timeliness, thoroughness and accessibility are widely viewed as essential elements of “quality health care,” and as such, are […]
Looking for leadership in industry
The Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology and the Minister of Industry have some important and interesting issues to address in the next few weeks — especially if the sitting is cut short due to the Liberal leadership conundrum. Gas prices Prices at the pump have been up and down this summer. While some […]
Improving nation’s productivity gap ‘single most important challenge for Canadian economy,’ says Industry Minister Rock
Federal Industry Minister Allan Rock says improving the nation’s productivity gap is “the single most important challenge for the Canadian economy.” “This means that to attract and retain highly-internationally mobile and productive resources such as skilled labour, capital and R&D, Canada needs to close the real income gap. To do so, Canada’s productivity needs to […]
Auto industry lacks level playing field
NAFTA and the end of the Auto Pact have created challenges for the auto industry. Kyoto offers new opportunities. It is time to have a plan for dealing with both. In Windsor we all understand the importance of the Auto sector to our economy. The loss of auto jobs affects not only the autoworkers and […]
