November 26. 2024
With health workforce challenges persisting across the country, HealthCareCAN continues to engage with members and federal government representatives to advance health workforce policy action.
Following the release of HealthCareCAN’s Health Human Resources Advisory Committee’s (HHRAC) Snapshot of Canada’s Health Workforce and inspired by the federal government’s Consultation on building a modern 21st century workforce, launched in August 2024, HealthCareCAN facilitated two sessions with HHRAC members and delegates to further discuss the potential policy options and actions concerning the opportunities outlined in the Snapshot document. This led to the release of a What We Heard report outlining current areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in the current Canadian approach.
HealthCareCAN also brought forward the expertise of our members in meetings with several federal representatives to share these solutions, including the Minister of Labour and Seniors, Steven MacKinnon – in his first meeting with a healthcare organization after being appointed minister – and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Yasir Naqvi.
Political maneuvering continues to be a major focus in the current federal political landscape, but HealthCareCAN has been able to engage with policymakers to provide critical input on Federal Budget commitments to more effectively integrate internationally educated health care professionals (IEHPs) into Canada’s health workforce.
Both Minister MacKinnon and Mr. Naqvi expressed keen interest in the IEHP issue, with HealthCareCAN outlining several key areas for action:
- Improve health workforce data and planning – which HealthCareCAN is already working on with Health Workforce Canada.
- Increase understanding of the role the federal government can play in addressing health workforce challenges, including to help better support and integrate IEHPs.
- Opportunities for governments at all levels to do a better job of tapping into IEHPs who are already in Canada, including those who may be working in health roles that do not necessarily best align with their education/work experience.
- Promote use of incentives to get IEHPs where they are needed, particularly in rural, remote, and northern communities.
- Address regulatory roadblocks to ease transition of IEHPs into the workforce.
HealthCareCAN HHRAC committee members also provided follow-up details to a request by Mr. Naqvi for additional ideas and examples to address IEHP issues.
Get more information on HealthCareCAN’s work on health workforce issues, or learn more about the Health Human Resources Advisory Committee: membership@healthcarecan.ca
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