July 26, 2023 (Ottawa) – HealthCareCAN congratulates the new and returning members of the federal cabinet sworn in today and pledges to continue working with all parliamentarians to ensure Canada has a health research ecosystem, and a health system, able to meet the needs of our citizens. This new cabinet must lead the way forward to strengthen health research in Canada.

“Today’s swearing in of a new cabinet signals a new chapter for this federal government and it is imperative that all cabinet members now set their sights on the urgent task of supporting health research and health researchers and trainees across the nation,” said Paul-Émile Cloutier, President and CEO of HealthCareCAN. “Vital, life-changing research currently being conducted in Canadian health research institutes is in peril and this government must act now to ensure today’s research can lead to better outcomes and a better healthcare system for all people across Canada.”

While a very significant shuffle in terms of the numbers of ministers taking on new roles, HealthCareCAN noted that Mark Holland, the new Minister of Health and Ya’ara Saks, the new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, specifically, both have extensive experience and knowledge of issues in their new portfolios. We look forward to helping them achieve success.

While some may contend that the federal, provincial, and territorial health funding agreements reached in February were the culmination of the work needed to restore healthcare in Canada, HealthCareCAN is warning that the job has just begun, and is far from finished.

Federal funding for investigator-led health research has seen zero growth in the last three years, a situation made even worse by the fact that inflation is driving costs up. Trainee remuneration rates have not increased in over two decades. Urgent action is needed because Canada is falling even further behind other nations that are investing seriously in health research. It is also important to note that this new cabinet will be focused on the economy and health research is an important economic driver that can help the government succeed in its goals.

“The United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and other nations have stepped up investment in health research and trainees while Canada continues to badly trail the pack,” added Mr. Cloutier. “The federal government and this new federal Cabinet must urgently invest in our future by investing today in Canada’s health researchers.”

 

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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: Steve Wharry, Director, Communications and Member Services
swharry@healthcarecan.dev2.inter-vision.ca  |  613-761-8400