Common problems means common solutions

Premiers from across Canada met in Halifax this month for their annual Council of the Federation meeting. CMA published a statement in collaboration with medical associations across the country urging premiers to keep health care top of mind and take necessary action to stabilize the health system.

CMA Presidents Dr. Joss Reimer and Dr. Kathleen Ross met with premiers and ministers there to discuss the CMA’s priorities for the direction of Canadian health care. Both Presidents also had the opportunity to talk to media about the current crisis, outlining important solutions that provincial governments must consider.

In an interview with CTV News Atlantic, Dr. Reimer spoke about the need for cross-country collaboration in the push toward a stronger health system, stating that: “There are things we can do to help everyone across the country. We need our politicians and health care leaders sharing information.”

In an interview with Global News, Dr. Ross further emphasized this message, describing how ongoing discussions, sharing best practices and interconnected data between the jurisdictions will significantly improve Canadians’ health.

As the meeting wrapped up, CMA was pleased to see that the premiers across the country understand the state of Canada’s health care system, particularly how the worsening effects of climate change will inevitably impact it.

The provincial and territorial leaders are focussed on emergency preparedness in the wake of extreme weather events. They also continue to recognize and reiterate their commitment to the importance of physician labour mobility.

These meetings were an essential reminder that lasting change requires conjoined effort across the board. We have many different health care systems across Canada and they all operate differently. But we’re united by common problems, and that means we can be united by common solutions.

Taking steps towards reconciliation

Earlier this month, we heard from CMA Board Member Dr. Santanna Hernandez as part of a new social video series about the importance of Indigenous representation in Canadian health care, and how creating a new culture of medicine means making space for Indigenous Peoples across the profession.

We also heard from Dr. Sarah Williams, CMA’s Strategic Advisor on Indigenous Health, who reiterated the ongoing health disparities experienced by Indigenous communities, due to a legacy of colonization and systemic racism.

She highlighted the CMA’s Indigenous Health goal as well, which aims to establish a health system that is free of racism and discrimination, respects Indigenous worldviews and provides access to care that is safe, equitable and trauma-informed.

Moving the dial on public and private care

This month, CMA also released its draft recommendations on managing public and private health care in Canada.

After a year-long national listening tour, where we consulted with thousands of health professionals, patients and the public about the balance of public and private health care in Canada, here’s what we learned.

CMA Award Recipients Announced

On July 9th, we announced this year’s CMA Awards winners. These passionate individuals have been recognized for their determination, strength, and innovation in the push towards a better future of health care.