April 7, 2022 (Ottawa) – While HealthCareCAN noted some measures in the 2022 Federal Budget to shore up our overwhelmed healthcare system, this budget underscores the need for a re-thinking of our healthcare system in Canada. It has never been clearer that our country’s political leaders must urgently come together to develop a new vision for the healthcare system.
“Canada’s overwhelmed healthcare workforce urgently needs shoring up, so we are pleased to see the budget include some federal investment aimed at getting more workers into the system through streamlined immigration processes,” said Paul-Émile Cloutier, HealthCareCAN President and CEO. “But these steps don’t go far enough to address the real desire of Canadians, which is to have a strong, sustainable healthcare system able to meet our evolving needs as a society.”
HealthCareCAN is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to meet with provincial and territorial leaders to discuss healthcare issues that include developing a national health workforce planning strategy, better availability and access to mental health and addictions supports for Canadians, and improved access to long-term, sustainable and consistent funding for health research, among others.
“We noted with interest several new opportunities in the budget to support growth, innovation and a resilient economy included in the budget,” stated Mr. Cloutier. “Health research conducted in healthcare organizations is an important contributor to Canada’s economy. In order to grow Canada’s economy, health research institutions should be key players in accessing funding through these programs.”
HealthCareCAN had hoped for more in Budget 2022 on transforming the healthcare system for the future.
“We have heard repeatedly that movement towards the future of Canada’s healthcare system would occur once the pandemic passed,” added Mr. Cloutier. “This budget does not effectively address what our healthcare system has undergone for the last two years. Canadians can no longer wait for the political leadership to build a modern healthcare system that provides timely access to high-quality care, regardless of where you are in the country. They want and deserve action now.”
We look forward to working with our members and governments to support that dialogue on transforming healthcare and health research in the near future.
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.
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Media contact: Steve Wharry, Communications and Member Services
SWharry@healthcarecan.dev2.inter-vision.ca
Cell: 613-761-8400
