January 29, 1997
(Health)

Provincial/Territorial Ministers release Vision Document

Provincial/Territorial Ministers of Health have released a document that outlines a shared vision to ensure a strong future for a national health system in Canada.

A Renewed Vision for Canada's Health System was requested by premiers at the August 1996 Annual Premiers' Conference. It was presented to premiers earlier this month and tabled today at a meeting of the Council of Social Policy Renewal, co-chaired federally by Pierre Pettigrew, Minister for Human Resources Development Canada, and provincially by Stockwell Day, Minister of Family and Social Services in Alberta. Federal Health Minister David Dingwall was also at today's council meeting.

"This vision document sets broad parameters for the future," said Dr. Russell King, Minister of Health and Community Services in New Brunswick and current chair of the Conference of Provincial/Territorial Ministers of Health.

"Provinces and territories in Canada are saying with one voice that they are committed to ensure their health systems are part of a national health system that is primarily publicly funded."

Provincial/Territorial ministers hope that their vision document, combined with the pending report of the National Forum of Health, provides a solid basis for continued meaningful dialogue with the federal government to develop a joint vision for the health system of the future. This topic is on the agenda for a meeting of Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers of Health in mid-February.

Provincial/territorial ministers indicated that their premiers have taken the initiative in focusing much-needed national discussion on social policy renewal through creation of a Ministerial Council on Social Policy. Work on the vision for Canada's future health system is a significant element in the premiers' wish to examine how to maintain our social safety net, the ministers said.

In the vision document, provinces and territories - who are responsible for delivering health services to Canadians - identify clear goals and guidelines for the national health system. The goal of ministers is to maintain a responsive and effective health care system and to work with individuals and communities to protect and improve the health of Canadians.

The provinces and territories have also indicated they want a transparent administrative mechanism to provide independent, expert advice on application of the Canada Health Act. Ministers said this would ensure that the act's five principles are clearly understood and observed in a fair and consistent way by all governments in Canada.

Provincial/territorial ministers also reiterated their concern about the adequacy of federal financial contributions towards funding the health system, as well as the sustainabiltiy of funding over the long term.

Although Quebec has not endorsed the vision document, officials from Quebec have been present throughout the process of development and have been kept fully informed of all developments.

Contact: Jill Sooley, (709) 729-1377.