Health and Community Services
January 13, 2016
Focusing on Health
Atlantic Health Ministers Meet in Advance of National Meetings
The ministers of health from the Atlantic provinces met via teleconference today to prepare for the meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers of health in Vancouver next week.
"There are pressures that continually challenge the Atlantic
region's ability to ensure the long-term sustainability of the health care
system. Examples include the needs of rural communities, an aging
population, chronic disease, new technologies and higher drug costs. I am
encouraged that the Federal Government has committed to engage with the
provinces and territories. It is imperative that federal investments
recognize the particularly acute needs and cost pressures of the Atlantic
region. They need to be flexible to allow each province to address these
challenges most effectively."
- The Honourable John Haggie,
Minister of Health and Community Services - Newfoundland and Labrador
"Connecting with my Atlantic counterparts was a great opportunity
to discuss the challenges our provinces face and ways we can work together
to ensure the long-term sustainability of our health-care system. We had a
good discussion about a new Health Accord and we are encouraged that the
Federal Government has committed to engage the provinces and territories in
the development of a new multi-year, intergovernmental agreement on health."
- The Honourable Victor Boudreau, Health Minister - New Brunswick
The agenda of the meeting also included discussions on:
- Pharmaceuticals;
- Innovation and information technology;
- Community care, including home care, palliative care and mental health; and
- Aboriginal health issues.
"As a province with an aging population, and high rates of
chronic disease, we are looking for new ways to help support better health
for our residents. We want to work in partnership with Ottawa, and other
provinces and territories, to find ways we can offer better care that is
both effective and affordable."
- The Honourable Leo
Glavine, Health and Wellness Minister - Nova Scotia
"I am very pleased with the discussions we had today. There is
significant work currently underway in Atlantic Canada to ensure our health
system is comprehensive, timely, and responsive to the needs of our
residents. We collectively look forward to the discussions next week with
our federal partners."
- The Honourable Robert Henderson,
Health and Wellness Minister - Prince Edward Island
The conference of federal, provincial and territorial ministers of health takes place in Vancouver on January 20 and 21.
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Media contact:
Tina Williams
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-2837
tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca
2016 01 13
4:50 p.m.