Déclaration sur la vaccination contre la COVID-19 des travailleurs de la santé

Le GIAS, le Groupe d’intervention action santé, est une coalition non-partisane de 40 organisations nationales de santé consacrée à l'amélioration de la santé des Canadiens et à la qualité des soins qu'ils reçoivent. Créé en 1991, le GIAS représente plus de 650 000 fournisseurs (et consommateurs) de soins de santé.

La pandémie de la COVID-19 continue d’impacter fortement les prestations des soins de santé au Canada et dans le monde. Des variants extrêmement contagieux ne cessent d'apparaître, et les taux de vaccination ne permettent pas de les prévenir.

Afin d'assurer des prestations de soins sécuritaires aux patients, le GIAS maintient son soutien afin de maximiser les taux de vaccination, notamment pour une éducation du grand public fondée sur des données probantes, et encourage les gouvernements provinciaux/territoriaux à rendre obligatoire la vaccination contre la COVID-19 de tous les professionnels de santé. La vaccination obligatoire de tous les travailleurs de la santé est une mesure importante pour protéger les patients, les communautés, le personnel de santé et pour préserver la capacité des systèmes de santé. Des taux de vaccination plus élevés réduiront le poids de la COVID-19 dans nos communautés et sont essentiels à la réussite des efforts de gestion de la pandémie. L’appel du GIAS en faveur d’une vaccination obligatoire des professionnels de la santé concerne tous les professionnels de la santé, les employés, les sous-traitants, les étudiants et les bénévoles travaillant dans tous les établissements de santé (hôpitaux, cliniques privées et publiques, soins à domicile et communautaires).

Le GIAS reconnaît que dans certaines circonstances, qui peuvent découler de certaines conditions médicales, la vaccination peut ne pas être médicalement recommandée et que des exemptions s’avèreraient nécessaires.

Position Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination of Healthcare Workers

HEAL, Organizations for Health Action, is a non-partisan coalition of 40 national health organizations dedicated to improving the health of Canadians and the quality of care they receive. Created in 1991, HEAL now represents more than 650,000 providers (and consumers) of healthcare.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have major impact on healthcare delivery in Canada and around the world. Highly contagious variants continue to emerge, and vaccination rates fall short of preventing them.

In the interest of ensuring the delivery of safe patient care, HEAL asserts its support to maximize vaccination rates, including evidence-based public education, and encouragement for provincial/territorial governments mandating vaccination of all health care professionals against COVID-19. Mandatory vaccination of all healthcare professionals is an important measure to protect patients, communities, the health workforce and the capacity of the healthcare systems. Higher rates of vaccination will reduce the burden of COVID-19 in our communities and are central to successful pandemic management efforts. HEAL’s call for mandatory vaccination of health professionals includes all healthcare professionals, employees, contractors, students and volunteers working across all healthcare settings (hospitals, private/public clinics, home and community-based care).

HEAL recognizes that in certain circumstances, which could arise from certain medical conditions, vaccination may not be medically advisable, and exemptions may be necessary.

Budget fédéral 2021 : Une coalition de 40 organisations nationales de santé accueille favorablement un budget axé sur la santé

OTTAWA, ON / LE 21 AVRIL 2021 / Les organisations membres du GIAS, le Groupe d’intervention action santé, se réjouissent de voir que le gouvernement fédéral a déposé son budget 2021 en plaçant la santé des Canadiens au centre de ses préoccupations.

Le budget fédéral 2021 propose un financement pour un large éventail de préoccupations en matière de santé, principalement liées à la pandémie de la COVID-19. Le GIAS soutient ces investissements historiques, et attend avec impatience de travailler avec le gouvernement fédéral sur leur mise en œuvre.

Conformément à l'une des principales recommandations du GIAS, le budget de cette semaine apporte un important soutien aux personnes âgées en proposant un financement pour les normes de soins de longue durée dans les provinces et territoires du Canada. Permettre aux aînés de recevoir les soins et les services nécessaires, dans le milieu approprié, au bon moment et par le bon fournisseur a été au cœur du travail du GIAS tout au long de la pandémie.

Le GIAS se réjouit de l'engagement à investir davantage dans les mesures de santé mentale, y compris pour une norme nationale pour les services en santé mentale.

Déclarations de François Couillard, co-président du GIAS et directeur général de l'Association canadienne des optométristes, et d'Hélène Sabourin, co-présidente du GIAS et directrice générale de l'Association canadienne des ergothérapeutes.

« Nous apprécions que le budget 2021 reconnaisse les travailleurs de la santé qui se sont exposés au risque de tomber malade pour prendre soin des autres Canadiens. Nous sommes heureux de constater que le gouvernement a pris en considération un grand nombre de nos recommandations dans le cadre de cette mise à jour financière, et nous sommes optimistes quant à la poursuite des travaux visant à répondre aux besoins de santé de tous les Canadiens à l'avenir. », a déclaré Hélène Sabourin, co-présidente du GIAS.

« Au-delà de la COVID-19, nous devons également nous assurer que le Canada est prêt pour la prochaine crise sanitaire. Nous remercions la ministre de la Santé, Patty Hajdu, et la ministre de la Prospérité de la classe moyenne et ministre associée des Finances, Mona Fortier, pour leur attitude proactive à l'égard de nos recommandations. », a ajouté François Couillard, co-président du GIAS.

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Le GIAS, le Groupe d’intervention action santé, est une coalition de 40 organisations nationales de santé consacrée à l'amélioration de la santé des Canadiens et de la qualité des soins qu'ils reçoivent. Nos membres incluent des associations professionnelles de praticiens réglementés ainsi que des organismes de bienfaisance qui fournissent un éventail de services de soins de santé partout au Canada. Le GIAS représente plus de 650 000 fournisseurs (et consommateurs) de soins de santé.

Pour plus d'informations et accéder au rapport Au-delà de la COVID-19 et notre mémoire pré-budgétaire, visitez le site www.healthaction.ca.

SOURCE :
Carlos A. Godoy L.
Impact Public Affairs
514-703-4208
carlos.godoy@impactcanada.com

Federal Budget 2021: Coalition of 40 national health organizations welcomes health-focused budget

OTTAWA, ON / APRIL 21, 2021 / Member organizations of HEAL, Organizations for Health Action, are pleased to see the federal government table Budget 2021 with the health of Canadians as a central focus.

Budget 2021 proposes funding for a broad area of health concerns mainly relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. HEAL is encouraged by the historic investments, and looks forward to working with the federal government on implementation.

Fulfilling one of HEAL’s primary recommendations, this week’s budget delivered strong support for seniors through proposed funding for Long-term Care standards in Canada’s provinces and territories. Enabling seniors to receive the necessary care and services, in the appropriate setting, at the right time and by the right provider has been central to HEAL’s work throughout the pandemic.

HEAL was pleased to see commitments to further invest in mental health measures including a national standard for mental health services.

Statements from François Couillard, Co-Chair of HEAL and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Association of Optometrists and Hélène Sabourin, Co-Chair of HEAL and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

“We appreciate Budget 2021 recognizing the health workers who have put themselves at the greatest risk of illness to care for other Canadians. We are happy to see that the government took many of our recommendations into consideration with this fiscal update, and we are optimistic that work will continue on ensuring the health needs of all Canadians are met into the future,” says Hélène Sabourin, Co-Chair of HEAL.

“Beyond COVID-19, we must also ensure that Canada is ready for the next public health crisis. Thank you to Health Minister Patty Hajdu and Minister for Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance Mona Fortier for their proactive stance on our recommendations,” added François Couillard, Co-Chair of HEAL.

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HEAL, Organizations for Health Action, is a coalition of 40 national health organizations dedicated to improving the health of Canadians and the quality of care they receive. Our members are professional associations of regulated health care providers and organizations of health charities that provide a range of health care services across Canada. HEAL now represents more than 650,000 providers (and consumers) of health care.

For more information and to access our Beyond COVID-19 report and our Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations, visit www.healthaction.ca.

SOURCE:
Carlos A. Godoy L.
Impact Public Affairs
514-703-4208
carlos.godoy@impactcanada.com

Une coalition de 40 organismes nationaux du milieu de la santé se dit optimiste au sujet du Budget fédéral 2021 suite à une rencontre pré-budgétaire avec la ministre associée de Finance Canada

OTTAWA, ON / LE 14 AVRIL 2021 / Les organisations membres du GIAS, le Groupe d’intervention action santé, ont rencontré aujourd’hui la ministre de la Prospérité de la classe moyenne et ministre associée des Finances l’honorable Mona Fortier pour aborder des priorités budgétaires 2021 du milieu de la santé.

« Nos membres et moi sommes très reconnaissants pour la rencontre d’aujourd’hui avec Finance Canada en amont du dévoilement du budget fédéral 2021 la semaine prochaine, » a déclaré François Couillard, co-président du GIAS et directeur général de l'Association canadienne des optométristes. « Nos membres représentent la grande communauté canadienne de la santé et la majorité de leurs propres membres ont été sur les premières lignes de défense contre la COVID-19 l’année dernière. Tandis que la pandémie nous a retardé dans notre travail continu de réflexion sur l’avenir des services et soins de santé, nous restons déterminés à contribuer à façonner l’avenir des soins de santé pour toutes les Canadiennes et Canadiens dans un environnement qui change, qui évolue, et avec une population de plus en plus vieillissante—autant d’enjeux qui nécessitent un financement et une adaptation à mesure que nous avançons. »

Les membres du GIAS comprennent des praticiens de santé réglementés travaillant dans le secteur public, les communautés, le secteur privé, ainsi que dans les organismes fournissant des services de soins de santé aux Canadiens.

En février 2021, six recommandations ont été formulées par le GIAS et présentées à Finance Canada dans le cadre des consultations pré-budgétaires.

Recommandations pré-budgétaires 2021

RECOMMANDATION 1 : Que le gouvernement fédéral, en collaboration avec les provinces et les territoires, augmente les investissements dans les soins communautaires, à domicile et en établissement pour répondre aux besoins de notre population vieillissante et garantir à tous les soins et les services nécessaires, dans le cadre approprié, au bon moment et par le bon prestataire.

RECOMMANDATION 2 : Que le gouvernement fédéral mette en place un transfert complémentaire démographique qui serait alloué en fonction de l’augmentation des coûts des soins de santé provinciaux et territoriaux due au vieillissement de la population, la contribution fédérale étant fixée à la part actuelle du Transfert canadien en santé en pourcentage des dépenses de santé provinciales et territoriales.

RECOMMANDATION 3 : Que le gouvernement fédéral, en partenariat avec les provinces, territoires et autres, finance des services de santé mentale durables et fondés sur des preuves afin de répondre à la demande croissante de soins prodigués en temps opportun et reconnaisse officiellement la parité en matière de santé mentale dans la législation.

RECOMMANDATION 4 : Que le gouvernement fédéral porte à 150 millions de dollars l’investissement initial de 50 millions de dollars sur cinq ans dans la stratégie nationale sur la démence afin de garantir des progrès mesurables et rapides dans la réalisation de la vision de la stratégie et des objectifs nationaux.

RECOMMANDATION 5 : Que le gouvernement fédéral fournisse une aide financière plus importante sous forme de prestations, de crédits d’impôt et de protection de l’emploi pour les aidants naturels afin qu’ils ne soient pas pénalisés financièrement pour avoir assumé un rôle d’aidant naturel, y compris les aidants naturels dans les établissements de soins de longue durée.

RECOMMANDATION 6 : Que le gouvernement fédéral apporte un soutien aux personnes âgées et aux populations vulnérables marginalisées afin de maximiser leur utilisation des technologies numériques telles que les soins virtuels et les programmes de bien-être.

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Le GIAS, le Groupe d’intervention action santé, est une coalition de 40 organisations nationales de santé consacrée à l'amélioration de la santé des Canadiens et de la qualité des soins qu'ils reçoivent. Nos membres incluent des associations professionnelles de praticiens réglementés ainsi que des organismes de bienfaisance qui fournissent un éventail de services de soins de santé partout au Canada. Le GIAS représente plus de 650 000 fournisseurs (et consommateurs) de soins de santé.

Pour plus d'informations et accéder au rapport Au-delà de la COVID-19 et notre mémoire pré-budgétaire, visitez le site www.healthaction.ca. RECOMMANDATION 2 : Que le gouvernement fédéral mette en place un transfert complémentaire démographique qui serait alloué en fonction de l’augmentation des coûts des soins de santé provinciaux et territoriaux due au vieillissement de la population, la contribution fédérale étant fixée à la part actuelle du Transfert canadien en santé en pourcentage des dépenses de santé provinciales et territoriales.

SOURCE :
Carlos A. Godoy L.
Impact Public Affairs
514-703-4208
carlos.godoy@impactcanada.com

Coalition of 40 national health organizations hopeful for Federal Budget 2021 following Pre-Budget session with Finance Canada Associate Minister

OTTAWA, ON / APRIL 14, 2021 / Member organizations of HEAL, Organizations for Health Action, met today with the Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance the Hon. Mona Fortier to discuss the health community’s budget priorities for 2021.

“Our membership and I are very grateful for the touchpoint with Finance Canada today ahead of next week’s Federal Budget 2021,” said François Couillard, Co-Chair of HEAL and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Association of Optometrists. “Our members represent the greater health community in Canada and most of their individual members have been at the forefront of fighting COVID-19 last year. While the pandemic has delayed us from continuing to think about the future of health care services and delivery, we remain committed to helping shape the future of health care for all Canadians in an environment that is changing, evolving, and with an increasingly older population—all of which require funding and adaptation as we move forward.”

HEAL’s members include those representing regulated health care providers working within the public sector, those working in communities and in the private sector, as well as organizations that deliver health care services to Canadians.

In February 2021, six recommendations were made by HEAL to Finance Canada as part of its pre-budget consultations.

2021 Federal Budget Recommendations

RECOMMENDATION 1: That the federal government, working with provinces and territories, increase investments in community, home and residential care to meet the needs of our aging population, to ensure that all individuals receive the necessary care and services, in the appropriate setting, at the right time and by the right provider.

RECOMMENDATION 2: That the federal government implement a demographic top-up transfer that would be allocated based on the increased provincial-territorial health care costs due to population aging, with the federal contribution set to the current share of the CHT as a percentage of provincial-territorial health spending.

RECOMMENDATION 3: That the federal government, working in partnership with the provinces, territories and others, fund sustainable, evidence-based mental health services to meet the growing demand for timely access to care, and formally recognize Mental Health Parity in legislation.

RECOMMENDATION 4: That the federal government increase its initial investment of

$50 million over five years in the national dementia strategy to $150 million to ensure measurable and timely progress on the strategy’s vision and national objectives.

RECOMMENDATION 5: That the federal government provide greater financial assistance through benefits, tax credits, and job protection for caregivers to ensure they are not penalized financially for stepping into a caregiver role, including those caregivers in long-term care.

RECOMMENDATION 6: That the federal government provide support for seniors and marginalized vulnerable populations to maximize their use of digital technologies such as virtual care and wellness programs.

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HEAL, Organizations for Health Action, is a coalition of 40 national health organizations dedicated to improving the health of Canadians and the quality of care they receive. Our members are professional associations of regulated health care providers and organizations of health charities that provide a range of health care services across Canada. HEAL now represents more than 650,000 providers (and consumers) of health care.

For more information and to access our Beyond COVID-19 report and our Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations, visit www.healthaction.ca.

SOURCE:

Carlos A. Godoy L.
Impact Public Affairs
514-703-4208
carlos.godoy@impactcanada.com

Une coalition de 40 organismes publie une déclaration conjointe sur les effets de la COVID-19 en première ligne de la pandémie

-Pour publication immédiate-

Les membres du GIAS ont étroitement collaboré à l’élaboration d’un rapport destiné au gouvernement fédéral et comprenant un ensemble de recommandations visant à améliorer la santé de la nation

(OTTAWA - 17 novembre 2020) Le Groupe d’intervention action santé (GIAS) a dévoilé aujourd’hui son rapport « Au-delà de la COVID-19 : Des recommandations pour une nation plus saine », un document mettant en exergue les principales difficultés rencontrées par les membres du GIAS travaillant alors en première ligne de la pandémie. 

En tant que coalition de 40 organisations nationales de santé, les membres du GIAS ont aussi bien repris les recommandations émises par les professionnels de première ligne et celle du gouvernement lors de la COVID-19 mais aussi dans des cas plus larges. Ce rapport offre également un regard plus centré sur certaines priorités à résoudre au travers de la COVID-19, le GIAS restant engagé dans ses deux domaines prioritaires : les soins aux personnes âgées et services en santé mentale.

« Nous avons l’occasion unique et la responsabilité de mettre en œuvre des changements opérationnels de long terme au sein de nos systèmes de santé en tirant les leçons des impacts engendrés par cette pandémie », a déclaré François Couillard, co-président du GIAS.

Les membres du GIAS comprennent des praticiens de santé réglementés travaillant dans le secteur public, les communautés, le secteur privé, ainsi que dans les organismes fournissant des services de soins de santé aux Canadiens. Les recommandations issues de ce document mettent l’accent sur la nécessité de minimiser les impacts des prochaines vagues de COVID, et en particulier pour les personnes âgées. Mais celle-ci soulignent aussi le besoin d’atténuer les effets durables que ces vagues engendrent sur la santé mentale et la consommation de substances par les Canadiens, incluant notamment le manque chronique d'accès aux soins.

« Le gouvernement du Canada a mis en place des mesures visant à améliorer la sécurité et la santé de tous les Canadiens, y compris pour les professionnels qui travaillent au service des personnes rendues plus vulnérables par la crise », a déclaré Hélène Sabourin, co-présidente du GIAS. « Mais il faut faire plus pour soutenir et protéger les Canadiens en ces temps de grande incertitude ». 

En mars dernier, le GIAS a créé un groupe de travail sur la COVID-19 chargé d’optimiser la collaboration avec le gouvernement et de diffuser des messages précis tant au sein du secteur que du grand public. Celui-ci a mené une enquête auprès de ses membres au début de la crise et a identifié une série de points de tension. Une deuxième enquête a été réalisée antérieurement à la publication du rapport « Au-delà de la COVID-19 ». Celle-ci a révélé que les trois préoccupations quotidiennes majeures des membres sont l'accès à des ressources appropriées, notamment un espace de travail et l'information, l'exposition au virus et l'accès aux équipements de protection individuelle, et la santé mentale des prestataires de soins.

« Les problèmes auxquels nous avons été confrontés en mars sont toujours d'actualité avec cette deuxième vague, comme le soulignent les résultats de notre enquête et notre rapport ‘Au-delà de la COVID-19’. Nous nous réjouissons de poursuivre notre travail avec les équipes de la ministre Hajdu et la Dr. Tam, » a déclaré M. Couillard. 

« Nous devons être à l’écoute des professionnels de la santé qui travaillent première ligne et tenir compte de leurs recommandations. Nous devons en tirer des leçons et nous préparer pour la suite », a conclu Mme Sabourin.

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Le GIAS, le Groupe d’intervention action santé, est une coalition de 40 organisations nationales de santé consacrée à l'amélioration de la santé des Canadiens et de la qualité des soins qu'ils reçoivent. Nos membres incluent des associations professionnelles de praticiens réglementés ainsi que des organismes de bienfaisance qui fournissent un éventail de services de soins de santé partout au Canada. Le GIAS représente plus de 650 000 fournisseurs (et consommateurs) de soins de santé.

Pour plus d'informations et accéder aux résultats d’enquête et au rapport « Au-delà de la COVID-19 », visitez le site https://healthaction.ca/

CONTACT MEDIAS :

Carlos A. Godoy L.
514 703-4208
carlos@impactcanada.com

 Regardez le communiqué de presse ici

Coalition of 40 national health organizations release consensus statement on ongoing COVID-19 impacts on the front lines

-for immediate release-

HEAL membership has collaborated to create a robust document aimed at the federal government with recommendations for a healthier nation.  

(OTTAWA – November 17, 2020) Today, the Organizations for Health Action (HEAL) released ‘Beyond COVID-19: HEAL’s recommendations for a healthier nation’, a document outlining issues HEAL’s membership has seen on the front lines during the pandemic.

As a coalition of 40 national health organizations, HEAL membership has aligned on recommendations from the front lines to the federal government, through COVID-19 and beyond. This document also offers a look at priorities with a COVID-19 lens, with HEAL also staying committed to its two main priority areas; Seniors Care and Mental Health. 

“We have a unique opportunity and responsibility to implement longer-term operational changes to our healthcare systems, learning from the impacts of this pandemic,” said HEAL Co-Chair, François Couillard.

HEAL’s members include those representing regulated health care providers working within the public sector, those working in communities and in the private sector, as well as organizations that deliver health care services to Canadians. The recommendations outlined in this document focus on the need to mitigate further impacts of future COVID waves, particularly on Canadian seniors, but also mitigate the lasting impacts on mental health and the substance use of Canadians, including ongoing lack of access to care.

“The Government of Canada has put in place measures intended to support the safety and security of all Canadians, including professionals working to serve those made vulnerable by the crisis,” said HEAL Co-Chair, Hélène Sabourin. “But more must be done to support and protect Canadians as we continue through this time of grave uncertainty.”

In March, HEAL formed a COVID-19 Task Force to optimize collaboration with the government and disseminate accurate messaging within the sector and to the public. It surveyed its members at the outset of the crisis and identifed a series of key issues. A second survey was completed in advance of the release of the ‘Beyond COVID-19’ document, which found that the three key areas members are concerned with on a daily basis include access to proper resources including space and information, exposure to the virus and access to PPE , and the mental health of health providers.  

“The issues we faced in March are still very much relevant today with this second wave, as outlined in our survey results and ‘Beyond COVID-19’ document. We look forward to our continued work with Minister Hajdu’s and Dr. Tam’s respective teams moving forward,” said Couillard.

“We must listen to the healthcare professionals on the front lines, and take these recommendations into account. We must learn from this, and ensure we are prepared for what comes next,” concluded Sabourin.

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HEAL, Organizations for Health Action, is a coalition of 40 national health organizations dedicated to improving the health of Canadians and the quality of care they receive. Our members are professional associations of regulated health care providers and organizations of health charities that provide a range of health care services across Canada. HEAL now represents more than 650,000 providers (and consumers) of health care.

For more information and to access Beyond COVID-19 and survey results, visit https://healthaction.ca/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Madison Simmons
905-601-0560
madison@impactcanada.com

Watch the press release here

Un sondage révèle que les professionnels de la santé sont confrontés simultanément à divers défis face au coronavirus

-pour diffusion immédiate-

Un sondage révèle que les professionnels de la santé sont confrontés simultanément à divers défis face au coronavirus  

Le GIAS crée un groupe de travail sur le COVID-19 afin d'optimiser la collaboration avec le gouvernement et d'aider à disséminer des informations exactes au sein du secteur et auprès du public  

(OTTAWA – Le 25 mars 2020) Aujourd'hui, le Groupe d'intervention action santé (GIAS) ou « HEAL », a publié les conclusions du sondage de ses membres, des organismes de santé, révélant que le système de santé canadien se voit brusquement confronté à divers défis face à la pandémie du COVID-19. Le sondage fut réalisé la fin de semaine dernière.  

Les résultats indiquent aussi que les membres du GIAS – comprenant 40 associations membres qui ensemble représentent plus de 650 000 professionnels de la santé partout au Canada – sont unis pour demander au gouvernement fédéral de jouer un rôle de leadership accru face à la crise.  

« Nous voyons qu'il y a beaucoup de problèmes incroyablement difficiles en jeu en ce moment, tant pour ceux qui sont en première ligne de la prestation de soins de santé, que pour ceux qui travailleraient normalement dans un cadre clinique ou communautaire », a déclaré François Couillard, coprésident du GIAS.   

« Leurs préoccupations vont de la rareté croissante des équipements de protection individuelle, à la fermeture de cliniques, en passant par le report des examens de certification et des stages d'étudiants. Tous ces problèmes auront probablement de graves répercussions à court et à long terme sur le secteur des soins de santé et, par conséquent, sur la population canadienne dans son ensemble », a déclaré M. Couillard.   

Lorsqu'on leur a demandé d'identifier les problèmes qui préoccupent le plus leurs membres respectifs du secteur de la santé, 78 % des organisations ont répondu : « l'exposition à COVID-19 sur le lieu de travail, et le risque qu'elle représente pour les travailleurs de première ligne et, par extension, pour leurs familles ».  

Parmi les autres préoccupations communes, citons "la santé mentale de leurs employés, de leurs collègues et d'eux-mêmes, qui travaillent en première ligne de l'épidémie », selon 67 % des organisations participantes. Un nombre égal d'entre eux ont déclaré être préoccupés par « la perte probable de revenus due à la fermeture des cliniques, y compris l'impact sur leurs employés, ainsi que l'éligibilité des préoccupations liées à l'assurance-emploi ».  

Près de deux tiers des répondants ont mentionné la "rareté croissante des équipements de protection nécessaires à l'exercice de leurs fonctions professionnelles dans les prochaines semaines ou les prochains mois (c'est-à-dire les masques, les gants) ».   

« Nous comprenons qu'une coordination et une collaboration accrues entre les parties prenantes du secteur de la santé seront essentielles pour lutter aussi efficacement que possible contre cette pandémie », a déclaré Hélène Sabourin, coprésidente du GIAS.   

En conséquence, le GIAS a créé un groupe de travail spécial COVID-19 pour s'assurer que les prestataires de santé qu'il représente collectivement sont bien informés et équipés pour répondre efficacement à la pandémie, et que les communications entre tous les niveaux de gouvernement - fédéral, provincial et territorial - et les prestataires sont rapides et précises pendant le déroulement de cette crise », a déclaré Mme. Sabourin.  

Le GIAS est déjà en contact régulier avec des hauts fonctionnaires de l'Agence de la santé publique du Canada ainsi qu'avec le bureau de l'honorable Patty Hajdu, ministre de la Santé.   

Le GIAS a déclaré qu'elle était reconnaissante au gouvernement fédéral d'avoir réagi rapidement à ce défi sans précédent et d'avoir fait preuve de déférence à l'égard des experts canadiens en matière de santé.   

« Nous nous réjouissons de travailler en étroite collaboration avec les équipes respectives du Dr Tam et de la ministre Hajdu au cours des semaines et des mois à venir » a déclaré M. Couillard. « Nous sommes tous dans le même bateau et l'échec n'est pas une option ».     

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Le GIAS, le Groupe d'intervention action santé, est une coalition de 40 organismes nationaux de santé voués à l'amélioration de la santé des Canadien(ne)s et de la qualité de soins qui leur sont offerts. Nos membres comprennent des associations professionnelles de fournisseurs de soins de santé règlementée ainsi que des organismes de bienfaisance dans le milieu de la santé qui fournissent un éventail de services de soins de santé partout au Canada.  Le GIAS représente maintenant plus de 650 000 fournisseurs (et consommateurs) de soins de santé.  

CONTACT MÉDIAS :

Catherine Fortin LeFaivre
613-979-8683
CFL@impactcanada.com  

Survey reveals how healthcare professionals of all types are grappling with a variety of coronavirus challenges simultaneously.

Written by HEAL

Created: 25 March 2020

Survey reveals how healthcare professionals of all types are grappling with a variety of coronavirus challenges simultaneously.

HEAL forms a COVID-19 Task Force to optimize collaboration with the government and to help disseminate accurate messaging within the sector and to the public.

(OTTAWA – March 25, 2020) Today, the Organizations for Health Action (HEAL) released the findings of its survey of member health organizations, conducted late last week, revealing that the Canadian healthcare sector is abruptly facing a variety of challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The results also indicate that HEAL members – made up of 40-member associations collectively representing over 650,000 healthcare providers across Canada – are united in calling on the federal government to play an enhanced leadership role regarding the crisis.

“We are seeing that there are many incredibly challenging issues at play right now, both for those on the frontlines of healthcare delivery, as well as for those who would normally work in a clinical or community setting,” said HEAL Co-Chair François Couillard.

“Their concerns range from the growing scarcity of personal protective equipment, to clinic closures, to the postponement of certification exams and student placements. All of these issues will likley have serious short-term and long-term impacts on the healthcare sector, and as result on the Canadian public as a whole,” said Couillard.

When asked to identify issues with which their respective healthcare members were most concerned, 78% of organizations said, “exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, and the risk it poses to frontline workers and by extension, to their families.”

Other common concerns included, “mental health of their employees, colleagues, and themselves, working on the frontlines of the outbreak,” according to 67% of participating organizations. An equal number said they were concerned about the “likely loss of income due to clinic shutdowns, including impact on their employees, as well as eligibility for EI concerns.”

Nearly two thirds of respondents mentioned the “growing scarcity of protective equipment required to carry out their professional duties in the next few weeks or months (i.e. masks, gloves).”

“We understand that enhanced coordination and collaboration amongst healthcare stakeholders will be critical to addressing this pandemic as effectively as possible,” said HEAL Co-Chair Hélène Sabourin.

“As a result, HEAL has created a special COVID-19 task force to ensure that the health providers it collectively represents are well informed and equipped to effectively respond to the pandemic, and that communications among all levels of government – federal, provincial, territorial and municipal – and providers flows quickly and accurately as this crisis unfolds,” said Sabourin.

HEAL is already engaging regularly with senior officials from the Public Health Agency of Canada as well as with the office of The Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health.

HEAL said it is grateful for the federal government’s rapid response to this unprecedented challenge, and its deference to Canada’s healthcare experts.

“We look forward to working very closely with Dr. Tam’s and Minister Hajdu’s respective teams in the coming weeks and months,” said Couillard. “We are all in this together, and failure is not an option.”

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HEAL, Organizations for Health Action, is a coalition of 40 national health organizations dedicated to improving the health of Canadians and the quality of care they receive. Our members are professional associations of regulated health care providers and organizations of health charities that provide a range of health care services across Canada. HEAL now represents more than 650,000 providers (and consumers) of health care.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Catherine Fortin LeFaivre
613-979-8683
CFL@impactcanada.com

HEAL Letter to Minister Hajdu and Dr. Tam re: Offer to assist the federal COVID-19 reponse from HEAL / Survey to assess healthcare professionals ’ immediate challenges and needs

Written by HEAL

Created: 20 March 2020

Dear Minister Hajdu and Dr. Tam,

We would like to take this opportunity to commend the federal government on its wellcoordinated response regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including its robust COVID-19 Economic Response Plan announced on March 18th.

As a coalition of 40 national health organizations which collectively represents well over 650,000 healthcare providers, we are writing to offer our help with the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our member associations include those representing regulated health care providers working within the public sector, those working in communities and in the private sector, as well as organizations that deliver health care services to Canadians. We are an effective and essential conduit to Canada’s regulated health care providers. A complete list of our members is attached to this letter for your reference.

Our national member associations are already reporting to us the ripple effects that COVID-19 are having on their members as the healthcare professionals of all types across Canada. Here are just a few examples:

• Confusion due to siloed provincial and territorial government approaches to the crisis;

• The emerging scarcity of various resources, including protective gear, equipment (such 2 as ventilators) and healthcare workers;

• The impact of clinic closures on both patients and providers (including financial duress) as well as limited attention to populations already vulnerable due to social and economic exclusion;

• The concerns of front-line healthcare workers overexposing their families to COVID-19 after having worked on the front lines;

• Healthcare students no longer being able to find placements to complete their programs, having their classes cancelled and sometimes seeing their confirmatory and entry-into-practice exams postponed, and thus creating the conditions for a delay of much needed new professionals entering the sector, as well as an additional financial burden on these students;

• The need for expediting the training of healthcare professionals who will feel better prepared to carry out instructions or directives regarding the treatment of a patient;

• The roadblocks to virtual care delivery, delaying much needed access to services (including technology requirements, reimbursement and health profession regulatory issues); and

• The reliance on professional associations like ours to play critical roles in supporting Canada’s healthcare resources through accreditation of training, delivering continuing professional development and supporting knowledge growth and translation. COVID- 19 will impact all of the in-person activities through which some of this support is provided to health professionals (such as cancellation of conferences and continuing professional development events).

In order to have a clearer picture of the impacts on the healthcare sector, and how we can work together to ensure proper measures are taken to keep Canadian healthcare workers as safe as possible, HEAL is launching a COVID-19 impact survey to members this week. We believe this data could be useful as you decide by which means to deploy additional resources, as well as how and where to allocate emergency Coronavirus funding.

Moreover, HEAL is creating a special COVID-19 Response Task Force to ensure that the health providers it collectively represents are well informed and equipped to effectively respond to the pandemic, and that communications between government and providers flows quickly and accurately as this crisis unfolds. Please consider this task force to be at your service.

On the morning of Tuesday, March 24, HEAL will be holding its quarterly meeting virtually, which will focus uniquely on COVID-19. We are grateful to have received confirmation that a senior PHAC representative will also be attending virtually to share updates from your office. This will be an important opportunity to engage with our members, and to communicate any 3 vital information to our thousands of frontline healthcare workers.

Catherine Fortin LeFaivre will be following up with your respective offices next week on the matters proposed in this letter. She can also be reached at 613-979-8683 or by email at CFL@impactcanada.com.

Finally, recognizing that all governments levels are being asked to act very quickly during these unprecedented times, we do believe that the federal government must continue to play a strong leadership role.

We are therefore urging the federal government and its agencies to engage with HEAL and its members immediately in order to respond effectively to this global crisis. Our collective healthcare expertise and networks are at your immediate disposal.

Sincerely,

Hélène Sabourin HEAL Co-Chair & François Couillard HEAL Co-Chair

HEAL Statement on Ministerial Mandate Letters | Déclaration du GIAS sur les lettres de mandats ministériels

December 2019

HEAL, the Organizations for Health Action, is reacting positively to the contents of the federal mandate letters released on Friday, as they relate to health and social matters.

Specifically, HEAL members are encouraged to see a high level of ambition set out in the Minister of Health’s mandate letter, seeking to achieve progress regarding a variety of health opportunities and threats.

HEAL agrees with the federal government’s continued efforts to advancing seniors’ care and mental health supports through numerous initiatives and programs. This approach is in line with HEAL’s Canadian Way 2.0 consensus document which focused on seniors’ care and mental health parity.

Mental health objectives were not only included in the Minister of Health’s letter but also in the letters of the Minister of Veteran’s Affairs, the Minister of Labour, the Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.

Moreover, the continuation of the seniors’ portfolio in itself is an important signal regarding the federal government’s intentions to improving the health and wellbeing of seniors through such measures as better access to home care, palliative care and community care, as well as community programming to keep them at home as long as possible.

HEAL applauds the Prime Minister’s ambition in wanting to achieve a significant number of health priorities during this parliamentary term. As each of these priorities will no doubt be complex to study and implement, we would like to offer the services of our many senior healthcare-sector members who are deeply committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all Canadians in a concrete way. We look forward to collaborating with Minister Hajdu and Minister Schulte and their policy colleagues.

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HEAL, Organizations for Health Action is a coalition of 40 national health organizations dedicated to improving the health of Canadians and the quality of care they receive. Our members are professional associations of regulated health care providers and organizations of health charities that provide a range of health care services across Canada. HEAL now represents more than 650,000 providers (and consumers) of health care, in over 20 different health care professions. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Madison Simmons 613-233-8906 / madison@impactcanada.com

National survey reveals 94% of Canadians support mental health parity | Un sondage national révèle que 94% des Canadiens et Canadiennes appuient la parité de la santé mentale

HEAL is advocating for all Canadians to have coverage for the mental health services which they need.

(OTTAWA – June 6, 2019) Today, the Organizations for Health Action (HEAL) released the findings of a national Abacus public opinion research poll (version française), demonstrating a high degree of support for mental health parity across demographics.

Of the 1,500 Canadian adults surveyed, 56% strongly agreed that mental health care should be covered by provincial or territorial health plans, while 38% said they somewhat agreed. Only 2% of respondents strongly disagreed.

Mental health parity is the notion that mental health services, in the form of services delivered by social workers, psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, and other mental health professionals, should be covered by provincial and territorial health insurance plans to the same degree as a visit to a family physician or community medical clinic.

“There is no question that awareness of mental health has increased greatly in the last decade, and that related stigma has decreased,” said HEAL Co-Chair Ondina Love. “And while that is a very positive step, it’s time for governments to ensure that all Canadians can have access to the mental health services that they need – to the same extent which a visit to the family doctor is covered by their provincial or territorial health plans.”

The results reveal only small differences in support between age groups, with 56% of Millennials saying they strongly agreed with the statement, as compared to 54% for Gen X, 58% for Boomers, and 48% for those of the Silent Generation (born before 1945).

Although both sexes were generally supportive of mental health parity, it was observed that 48% of men strongly supported the notion of mental health parity as compared to 63% of women polled.

Support was also strong across regions in Canada, peaking at 64% of Manitoba and Saskatchewan respondents saying they strongly supported the statement, and lowest amongst Québec respondents with 53% attesting to that same level of support.

“If you look at the data across regions, sexes, age, and party affiliation, the percentage of those who strongly disagreed with mental health parity was extremely low – between 0 and 4% for any given segment,” said HEAL Co-Chair François Couillard.

“We believe these results provide a strong rationale for all federal parties to pledge support for such a move within their 2019 election platform, whereby the federal government would work closely with provincial and territorial governments to ensure that all Canadians have access to the mental health services which they need,” said Couillard. “We look forward to working across party lines to make these policy changes a reality, and therefore increase Canadians’ overall wellbeing.”

Through the tabling of its consensus statement last fall, The Canadian Way 2.0: Accelerating Innovation and Improving Health System Performance, HEAL has focused its most recent advocacy on measures related to seniors’ care and mental health services – areas which its 40 national member organizations have deemed federal priorities for 2019.

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HEAL, Organizations for Health Action is a coalition of 40 national health organizations dedicated to improving the health of Canadians and the quality of care they receive. Our members are professional associations of regulated health care providers and organizations of health charities that provide a range of health care services across Canada. HEAL now represents more than 650,000 providers (and consumers) of health care, in over 20 different health care professions. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Madison Simmons 613-233-8906 / madison@impactcanada.com

Federal Budget 2019: healthcare sector applauds focus on seniors | Budget fédéral 2019 : le secteur de la santé salue l'accent placé sur les aînés

Recent national survey commissioned by HEAL shows widespread support for measures aimed at dealing with Canada’s aging population.

(OTTAWA – March 22, 2019) Organizations for Health Action (HEAL) is reacting positively to the tabling of the 2019 Federal Budget, as much of its content is in line with HEAL’s policy asks, including new investments in seniors care, mental health and in measures to counter the opioid crisis.

While a focus on seniors is welcome, HEAL plans to continue pressing the federal government to invest in important seniors’ care measures that were not contained in Budget 2019, such as greater funding for home-based care across the country, and the introduction of a demographic top up for provinces which have a higher percentage of seniors.

Last fall, HEAL released the initial findings of a new Abacus Data survey related to healthcare. The poll, which surveyed 1,650 adults from across Canada, found that 7 out 10 Canadians felt that the federal government should make investing in and optimizing Canada’s health care system to respond to its aging population a top or very high priority.

Today, HEAL is releasing more data of that survey, as it relates to the Budget 2019.

When asked if they would support the expansion of community and home-based health and active aging programs across the country, 82 % said yes.

By region, support ranged from a high of 85% in British Columbia to 78% in the Atlantic provinces.

By age range, 95% of those in the 60 and over group answered they were in favour, and support from those in the 18 to 29 age group was also surprisingly high at 73%.

By party, support was strong across the board regardless of party affiliation. While 83% of respondents identifying as Liberals were supportive of the above statement, 84% of Conservative respondents and 82% of NDP respondents said the same.

“Regardless of how you look at it – by region, age, party affiliation – there is overwhelming public support for a variety of measures aimed at addressing Canada’s aging population challenges,” said Ondina Love, HEAL Co-Chair.

“We are encouraged to see that the federal government has listened to our members and considered our Canadian Way 2.0 consensus statement; and as a result, will be investing further in seniors’ care,” said Love.

“However, greater investments in home care initiatives and other key seniors care measures, are still very much needed according to our members.”

The number of Canadians aged 85 and over is expected to triple over the next 20 years from 700,000 to 2.1 million.

“Clearly, investing in seniors’ care is not – and should not – be a partisan issue. We, therefore, look forward to working with all of the federal parties to ensure that each of their electoral platforms includes robust support for a variety of investments in seniors’ care,” said François Couillard, HEAL Co-Chair.

In addition to seniors’ care, HEAL will also keep advocating for the adoption of the mental health parity principal, as detailed in its Canadian Way 2.0, to ensure that mental health care is integrated into primary health care and covered by provincial and territorial health insurance plans.

Healthcare highlights of Budget 2019

National Pharmacare

• Budget 2019 announces the Government’s intention to move forward on three foundational elements of national pharmacare: the creation of a Canadian Drug Agency; the development of a national formulary; and a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases.

Seniors Care

• $50 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, to support the implementation of Canada’s first National Dementia Strategy.

• Additional funding of $100 million over five years, with $20 million per year ongoing, for the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

• $35 million in 2019–20 to ensure the Assisted Living Program continues to help meet the needs of seniors and people with disabilities in Indigenous communities.

• An additional $8.5 million over two years, starting in 2019–20, to work with First Nations and Inuit communities on developing a new and more holistic long-term care strategy.

Mental Health

• $25 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, with $5 million per year ongoing, to work with experienced and dedicated partners in the space to support a pan-Canadian suicide prevention service.

• $50 million over 10 years, starting in 2019–20, with $5 million per year ongoing, to support ITK’s Inuit-specific approach through the Strategy to address deaths by suicide in Inuit communities.

Opioid crisis

• Additional funding of $30.5 million over five years to support efforts to expand access to a safe supply of prescription opioids, protecting people with problematic opioid use from the risks of overdose and death

The Canadian Way: HEAL’s health policy consensus statement

In 2016, HEAL published its first consensus statement, The Canadian Way – Accelerating Innovation and Improving Health System Performance, following more than two years of research, review, and reflection.

HEAL’s The Canadian Way 2.0 statement moves the conversation forward, adding additional recommendations on the two areas of priority identified by our members in 2018: Seniors’ care (across the health care system continuum, including home care), and Mental health services.

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HEAL, Organizations for Health Action is a coalition of 40 national health organizations dedicated to improving the health of Canadians and the quality of care they receive.
Our members are professional associations of regulated health care providers and organizations of health charities that provide a range of health care services across Canada. HEAL now represents more than 650,000 providers (and consumers) of health care, in over 20 different health care professions.

MEDIA CONTACT: Madison Simmons 613-233-8906 / madison@impactcanada.com

National poll reveals 7 out of 10 Canadians want the federal government to prioritize healthcare investments in seniors’ care. | English Only

Health sector coalition releases healthcare consensus statement and urges federal government to increase investments in seniors’ care and mental health.

(OTTAWA – November 1, 2018) Today, Organizations for Health Action (HEAL), released its health policy consensus statement, Canadian Way 2.0, as well as the initial findings of a new Abacus Data survey related to healthcare.

The poll, which surveyed 1,650 adults from across Canada, found that 7 out 10 Canadians feel that the federal government should make investing in and optimizing Canada’s health care system to respond to its aging population a top or very high priority.

More survey respondents felt this way than other issues the country is facing, including the rising cost of housing, public debt and deficits, climate change, rising global extremism, or economic and employment disruption.

The number of Canadians aged 85 and over is expected to triple over the next 20 years from 700,000 to 2.1 million.

“These survey results reinforce what our 40-member organizations are hearing on the front-lines of healthcare,” said HEAL Co-Chair Ondina Love.

“Canadians understand that there is an immediate need to increase investments to our healthcare system so that we can effectively deal with Canada’s aging population – and they want to see it addressed as a priority by the federal government. As we are less than a year away from a federal election, parties should take note that this is sure to be a top election issue,” said Love.

The Abacus survey also revealed:

• 86% want the federal and provincial governments to work closely together to prepare the health care system for Canada’s aging population.

• 82% said they support the development of a pan-Canadian caregiver strategy to better help those caring for loved ones who require medical attention. 


• 81% said they support the federal government expanding community and home-based health and active aging programs across the country. 


According to Statistics Canada, more than 15% of the Canadian population was over the age of 65 at the time of the last census. By 2036, this age group is expected to make up more than 25% of the population.

“Since health care costs increase with age, the demands of this demographic shift on the Canadian health care system will compound,” said François Couillard, HEAL Co-Chair. “Canada therefore requires a more robust approach to home care and community health services for older adults and those living with a dementia.”

“HEAL looks forward to working with the federal government to advance this key social and economic issue,” said Couillard.

HEAL’s Abacus survey findings released today were the first phase of results. More survey findings will be released in the coming months by HEAL.

The Canadian Way: HEAL’s health policy consensus statement

In 2016, HEAL published its first consensus statement, The Canadian Way – Accelerating Innovation and Improving Health System Performance, following more than two years of research, review, and reflection.

HEAL’s The Canadian Way 2.0 statement moves the conversation forward, adding additional recommendations on the two areas of priority identified by our members in 2018: Seniors’ care (across the health care system continuum, including home care), and Mental health services.

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HEAL, Organizations for Health Action, is a coalition of 40 national health organizations dedicated to improving the health of Canadians and the quality of care they receive.
Our members are professional associations of regulated health care providers and organizations of health charities that provide a range of health care services across Canada. HEAL now represents more than 650,000 providers (and consumers) of health care, in over 20 different health care professions.

MEDIA CONTACT:

David Gakwerere
613-233-8906
david@impactcanada.com

HEAL Applauds Health Committee Work on Pharmacare | English Only

Ideal combination of better coverage for less cost is possible

OTTAWA, April 19, 2018 – HEAL – Organizations for Health Action – applauds the House of Commons Health Committee on the release of its long-awaited report on the feasibility of a national pharmacare program. After two years and nearly 100 expert witnesses, the report lays the groundwork for filling a longstanding gap in the Canadian healthcare system.

“Our members applaud the committee for their tireless work on this important subject,” said Ondina Love, HEAL Co-Chair and CEO of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association. “HEAL supports a move towards a pan-Canadian pharmacare program working in concert with federal, provincial and territorial governments to improve access for the millions of Canadians currently going without the pharmaceuticals that they need. This is also an opportunity to bring down costs by bringing to bear the entire purchasing power of a country the size of Canada.”

“This is a great step forward and provides valuable guidance to the recently-established working group under Dr. Eric Hoskins,” added Francois Couillard, HEAL Co-Chair and CEO of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. “HEAL and all of our 40 members look forward to engaging with Dr. Hoskins’ advisory committee in the year to come as it develops its recommendations to the federal government on its approach to pharmacare. Prescription drug coverage has been a gap in our publicly-funded universal healthcare system for too long, and this is a great opportunity to start closing that gap.”

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HEAL is a coalition of national health organizations that represents a cross-section of health providers, health regions, institutions, and facilities. All of HEAL’s members are dedicated to protecting and strengthening Canada’s health system, and these organizations represent more than 650,000 health-care providers from across the country.

For more information, please contact:
Michael Hatch
613-233-8906 | mhatch@impactcanada.com

HEAL Applauds Budget’s Health Measures, focus on opioids and mental health should continue | English Only

Written by HEAL

Created: 12 March 2018

OTTAWA – March 5, 2018 – HEAL – Organizations for Health Action – and its members applaud Federal Minister of Finance Bill Morneau for his government’s latest budget, which sets an encouraging course for some areas of vital importance in national health policy. The document’s focus on mental health, combatting the opioids crisis and a new advisory panel on a possible pharmacare program are all encouraging, says the coalition’s members.

“This budget contained significant new funding for targeted mental health initiatives and for combatting the opioid crisis, both of which should continue to be top priorities in the federal health policy agenda,” said Ondina Love, HEAL Co-Chair and CEO of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association. “HEAL is in the process of formulating its advocacy priorities in these key areas and will be excited at the opportunity to work with Health Canada and the Minister as they implement the ambitious plans as laid out in this year’s budget on health matters.”

Last week’s federal budget contained relatively few “big ticket” items, as the Trudeau government holds some of its fiscal fire for the 2019 pre-election budget, which will presumably contain some higher-profile spending items to help make the case for their re-election in a year and a half. Despite this, one of the biggest winners was research: $1.7 billion over five years for the granting councils and research institutes and $1.3 billion over five years for laboratories, equipment and infrastructure. Also, high on the list of potential pre-election items coming out of this budget is the potential for a national pharmacare program, for which this budget has created a national advisory body.

“HEAL looks forward to engaging with the new advisory panel on pharmacare, and continuing to work with the government as it implements the rest of its ambitious health policy agenda,” said Francois Couillard, HEAL Co-Chair and CEO of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. “On pharmacare, we agree with the Minister that the first focus should be on the many Canadians who currently do not have access to the prescription drugs that they need, and that do not currently enjoy sufficient private coverage for vital drugs.”

Many Canadians currently have access to the drugs that they need and the systems that provide it should be preserved. However lower-income and many older Canadians are in dire need of medications to which they currently do not have access, and too many are forced to make the impossible personal budgetary choice between drugs and other life essentials such as food or shelter. Focusing on those who need it the most would be a wise allocation of scarce federal funds in what could be a multi-billion dollar program.

The budget also contained funding for a federal tobacco control strategy as well as targeted funds for public education initiatives associated with its plan to legalize cannabis. It also contained important new funding for health research in Canada. There was also a boost to funding for dementia-related programming, though more will be needed as the federal government moves forward with the development and implementation of a national dementia strategy for Canada.

“HEAL and its members support the government’s focus on mental health programming and on combatting the opioid crisis, and we look forward to working closely in the year to come on finding innovative solutions to these vitally important issues,” concluded Love.