Modern solutions flow from national conversation

Filling in the blanks on public and private care

With Canadian health care in crisis, there has never been a more important moment to reflect on the future of our system. The public-private health care balance in Canada is an essential part of that discussion.

Following the release of CMA's draft policy on managing Canada’s public-private health care balance, CMA Presidents Dr. Kathleen Ross and Dr. Joss Reimer spoke to many national and regional media outlets about how maintaining status quo in Canadian health care is not an option.

In an op-ed issued by the Hill Times, both presidents reflected on town halls and roundtable discussions conducted over the last year with doctors, health care workers, patients and policy makers. They emphasized that while perspectives varied, a strong theme emerged from the discussions: public, universal health care remains a source of immense pride for Canadians.

"We heard shared fears that expanding private health care would divert resources from the public system, deepen preexisting inequities, decrease comprehensiveness of care, and leave those unable to pay for services at an even greater disadvantage."

Another important finding from the cross-country consultations was the realization that most Canadians do not have a good understanding of the current and historical mix of public and private operators in our health system.

To remedy this, CMA is filling in the blanks, answering frequently asked questions and demystifying the misconceptions about our complex health care system.

Learn more about the nuances of public and private care in Canada.

Commitment to an apology

On September 18, the CMA will apologize for its role and the role of physicians in the harms caused to Indigenous Peoples in the health system, both through action and inaction.

In a video published to social media on August 13, Dr. Alika Lafontaine and Dr. Joss Reimer spoke more to the CMA's commitment to this apology process, expressing an intention to face uncomfortable truths, take accountability on behalf of the medical profession and build trust for a stronger, more equitable future of Indigenous health.

CMA published another video on August 27 featuring Dr. Reimer, on the importance of reflection when it comes to meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

"By failing to use our position of influence to prevent harm, or report it, the Canadian Medical Association, and the medical profession, have kept Indigenous Peoples from receiving the highest standard of care."

Assessing the impacts of climate change on health

As record heat continues, Canada warms at over twice the global rate, and this has massive implications for our health system.

Worsening wildfires across the country are also a growing concern. On August 15, Dr. Reimer posted a video expressing her concerns for Canadians affected by these devastating events, highlighting the need for hospitals and communities in vulnerable areas to be prepared and resilient for whatever comes next.

Learn more about how we can strengthen our healthcare systems against the growing threat of climate-related wildfires.

Introducing Health Care For Real

With health misinformation on the rise, CMA is taking action to correct the record.

August 23 marked the official launch of Healthcare For Real: a new era of health communication for Canadians. This passionate new initiative is the start of a journey to support Canadians, especially young people, with easy-to-understand context and conversation about the Canadian health care system via a new online information hub and video storytelling on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

Find out more about how we’re changing the health communication game.