Ivy Bourgeault, leader of the Canadian Health Workforce Network, raises concerns about the country's primary care policies. The network criticizes recent policy commitments that overlook crucial roles such as nurse practitioners, registered nurses, dietitians, and social workers. This comes as Health Minister Mark Holland commits to fully funding virtual health-care services, including Maple, which is partly owned by Loblaws and offers memberships starting at $79.99 monthly. Meanwhile, Parliament has laid the groundwork for a universal pharmacare plan, and the federal government is set to announce a deal with the first Canadian province to join this ambitious system.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh recently unveiled two key components of his party's 2025 federal election platform at a medicare conference. Singh pledged to ensure every Canadian has access to a family doctor, a promise that has drawn criticism from Bourgeault. She argues that it is "mathematically impossible to solve the primary care crisis with physicians alone." Instead, Singh champions wrap-around health-care models where family physicians collaborate with other health professionals, a vision that Bourgeault supports in principle.
The federal government has committed $1.5 billion to cover the costs of providing diabetes medications and contraception under the new pharmacare initiative. Health Minister Holland emphasized the importance of these initial deals in reassuring provinces uncertain about a public health insurance program. He stated, "I am not going to comment on the specific jurisdictions; I don't think you will have to wait very long to figure out who we are talking about." This suggests an imminent announcement regarding provincial participation.
Singh's vision extends beyond just family doctors. He advocates for a health-care system that leverages a range of professionals, stating, "But really the solution to our health-care system is utilizing all of these underutilized incredible professionals." Furthermore, Singh opposes any form of financial barrier to accessing care, asserting, "That should not be allowed. In Canada, I want to see no cash for care." His past experience working at a community health centre in Windsor, Ontario, as a university student informs his perspective on accessible health care.
Virtual health care also plays a role in Singh's platform. An NDP government would require provinces to cover virtual health services, aligning with Holland's commitment to supporting platforms like Maple. This approach aims to increase accessibility and convenience for Canadians seeking medical advice and treatment.
The impending pharmacare deals hold significance for the future of Canada's health-care system. Holland believes these agreements will serve as a blueprint for other provinces considering joining the federal pharmacare system. As he noted, "The reason we talk about family doctors is that I think it is something that is accessible to people." However, the broader vision involves integrating various health-care professionals into a cohesive primary care framework.
