October 17, 2023 (Ottawa, Ontario) — HealthCareCAN’s 2023 advocacy day is underway today, uniting healthcare leaders, professionals, stakeholders, and policymakers to champion increased investments and federal support for health research, health infrastructure, and health human resources.
“This annual event aims to raise awareness among our country’s policymakers of the urgent need for a more robust, sustainable healthcare system in Canada,” said Paul-Émile Cloutier, president and CEO of HealthCareCAN. “As Minister Champagne once said, ‘great science and research is the first step in driving innovation,’ that is why increased federal support in health research, infrastructure, and human resources are essential investments in the long-term health and well-being of all Canadians.”
Throughout the day, HealthCareCAN members will participate in a series of meetings to engage with federal representatives to discuss critical issues, share insights and provide evidence-based recommendations that underscore the potential for transformative change that will strengthen Canada’s healthcare system.
HealthCareCAN’s recommendations:
- Double current funding to the Tri-Council (an injection of $3.8B) and commit to an annual increase that keeps pace with inflation and global benchmarks to ensure competitive and sustainable research funding.
- Increase federal funding available through the Tri-Council for graduate scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships to a minimum of $25,000 and $35,000, respectively, tying funding levels to increases in inflation, and increase the overall number of scholarships and fellowships available by 50 per cent, adjusting annually to reflect the level of enrolment in graduate and postdoctoral programs.
- Create a Health Human Resources Innovation Fund of $1B, frontloaded, over three years, directly available to healthcare organizations to implement, spread, and scale innovative approaches to addressing health human resources challenges.
- Establish a Modernizing Healthcare Infrastructure Fund of $5B, over three years, directly available to healthcare organizations to enable them to carry out overdue maintenance, upgrades, and new builds to ensure a modern, equitable, climate resilient health system for people across Canada.
“We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s healthcare journey. The decisions made today will impact the health and well-being of Canadians for generations to come,” said Dr. Michael Gardam, chair of HealthCareCAN’s Board of Directors. “HealthCareCAN’s 2023 Advocacy Day is a platform for all stakeholders to send a clear message to our policymakers: Canada deserves a healthier future.”
HealthCareCAN invites stakeholders, members of the public, and policymakers to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #AdvocacyDay2023 and contribute to this important dialogue. Together, we can build a stronger and more sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of our diverse population and ensures a healthier future for all.
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About HealthCareCAN:
HealthCareCAN is the national voice of action for hospitals, health authorities, health research and health organizations across Canada. We advocate for health research and innovation to enhance access to high-quality health services for Canadians and we empower health professionals through our best-in-class learning programs.
Media contact:
Alexandria Rowe, Communications and Member Services
arowe@healthcarecan.ca | 613-230-1023
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