December 15, 2016 (Ottawa) – As the provincial and territorial ministers of Finance and Health across Canada prepare to meet next Monday in Ottawa, HealthCareCAN hopes that an agreement with provinces and territories on a new Health Accord can be reached, putting the focus on health, not on money.
“The discussions between the provinces and the federal government on the Health Accord should focus on health first, not on another chequebook accord. Past Health Accords put dollars ahead of health and what we have to show for it is poorer overall healthcare performance and increased health disparities,” says Bill Tholl, President and CEO of HealthCareCAN.
Tholl suggests the “Made-in-Health-Accord” should set out a common vision for top-notch healthcare which would include federal leadership paired with a secure base funding, along with strategic investments in mental health, home care, access to prescription drugs and health innovation. It should be set up so that provincial priorities can be addressed but within an integrated national framework.
“We urge the provinces and territories to use this unique opportunity to tackle pervasive problems in the health care system across the country – such as Indigenous health gaps – and to implement transformational changes through a long term vision that will benefit the health and the care of all Canadians,” added Mr. Tholl.
HealthCareCAN reiterates its offer to help in any way it can to move the process forward.
HealthCareCAN is the national voice of healthcare organizations and hospitals across Canada. We foster informed and continuous, results-oriented discovery and innovation across the continuum of healthcare. We act with others to enhance the health of the people of Canada; to build the capability for high quality care; and to help ensure value for money in publicly financed, healthcare programs.
Learn more about our organization at www.healthcarecan.ca. Follow us on Twitter: @HealthCareCAN or Facebook: healthcarecan.soinssantecan.
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Media contact:
Lucie Boileau, Director of Communications, Marketing and Government Relations
lboileau@healthcarecan.ca
855-236-0213/613-241-8005 x 205 Cell: 613-462-5604