ICYMI: Leaning into change

Federal health investments set the stage for change

The CMA was pleased to see the confirmation of the #CanadaHealthTransfer and bilateral funding commitments confirmed in #Budget2023 in March. Federal investments in health care demonstrate that the collective voices of patients and providers have been heard and reform is being prioritized.

To illustrate the significance of this year's health funding increase, the CMA commissioned an analysis of the Health Accords between the federal and provincial/territorial governments, which shows the trajectory of agreements dating back over 20 years.

While these numbers reveal positive improvements, investments alone won't restore trust in Canadian health systems.

"What we now need is ongoing political will to make brave decisions to reform how we deliver care, improve access for patients and create better working conditions for providers," says Dr. Alika Lafontaine .

Foundational change takes time to materialize, so now we must focus on taking small but significant steps forward.

“If we’re focused on things we can do right now, instead of waiting for the money to trickle down, change can happen a lot faster.” Dr. Lafontaine told CBC News Power & Politics.

Watch at 1:26:28

One such step forward is establishing #PanCanadianLicensure in Canada. Decreasing barriers for physicians to practice in various parts of the country doesn't fix doctor shortages – but it massively improves distribution and helps expand access to care for all Canadians.

In some cases, this means urban physicians travelling to rural centres to assist with elective surgeries. Some rural health centres have gone years without surgeries, and staff shortages are largely to blame. By increasing physician mobility, we can address the bottleneck and fill in the gaps where needed.

Navigating the public vs. private health care debate

As patients struggle to gain #AccessToCare , discussions around privately funded care have continued to circulate. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of Canada decided that it would not hear the case of Cambie Surgeries Corporation, et al. v. Attorney General of British Columbia, et al.

While the CMA acknowledges this decision, we recognize that a wider public discussion on this matter is necessary and timely. We maintain the belief that patients across Canada deserve to receive high quality health care in a timely fashion, regardless of their ability to pay.?But governments must collaborate to reach a mutual understanding about what that looks like.

Recognizing this need, the CMA has planned to host Canada-wide consultations on private sector providers in publicly funded health systems. These conversations will be informed, constructive and focused on the right priorities: patients having timely, effective and equitable access to care and providers thriving in healthy working environments.

Canadian Conference on Physician Health 2023

Advocating for physician wellness and building a thriving health workforce is just one way we can achieve a stronger health system. This April, abstract submissions opened for the Canadian Conference on Physician Health , which takes place in Montreal from November 3-4.

Physicians and medical learners are invited to share their knowledge and submit abstracts until May 18th.

#EarthDay incites motivation for a healthier planet

#ClimateChange is this century's biggest threat to health. We're seeing sicker patients, reduced access to care, and Canada's #HealthSystem , (which makes up 4.6% of greenhouse gas emissions) is a large part of the problem.

In recognition of Earth Day, the CMA reiterated its commitment to designing a net-zero emissions health system. This would mean everything from creating climate-resilient infrastructure to minimizing medical waste – but #physicians have a responsibility to act now.

CMA Awards 2023

On April 26, we announced this year's CMA Award recipients. This program annually recognizes the individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Canadian health care and the #MedicalProfession as a whole – through clinical work, research, mentorship, and advocacy.

Get to know the winners .

Moving the dial on Indigenous health

This spring, CMA President Alika Lafontaine is leading a series of intimate discussions with Indigenous patients, providers and leaders on how we can move forward, together, on?#reconciliation .

Events will be hosted by?Tanya Talaga , author and journalist with?The Globe and Mail .

Learn more .