The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is calling on political leaders to articulate their vision for a robust health sector during the upcoming debates. As the nation prepares for a pivotal election, the CMA emphasizes the necessity for leaders to present clear and actionable plans that align with their commitments to health care reform if elected to government.
Dr. Joss Reimer, President of the CMA, highlighted these priorities with a call to action on creating a sustainable and vibrant health sector. She implored leaders on how to fix and strengthen Canada’s universal health care system. The CMA urges them to acknowledge the rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples to make independent decisions regarding their health care. This acknowledgment is essential in creating a more holistic and inclusive health care space that focuses on improving quality of life through respecting diverse perspectives and needs.
As the CMA we constantly elevate Indigenous rights, justice and self-determination. All the while, they are reacting to the dangerous spread of disinformation negatively impacting the health of Canadians. The union is deeply committed to backing efforts that fight misinformation, which is damaging our communities and feeding those who wish to harm public health.
The CMA’s worries reach the nitty gritty logistical side of health care delivery. It calls for eliminating burdensome administrative requirements. It further encourages taking advantage of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to automate and reduce administrative burdens. By enhancing efficiency in these areas, the CMA believes that health care providers can better focus on patient care and outcomes.
The association believes that the health system in Canada is at risk. It brings attention to the broken system’s inability to provide equitable and timely access to care. In light of this, the CMA insists that party leaders must commit to fighting for such access as a fundamental right for all Canadians.
A recent survey conducted by Abacus Data reveals that 64% of Canadians desire discussions about health care and access to services during the election debates. The CMA amplifies this sentiment, emphasizing that health care should be a central topic in political discourse as it directly affects the well-being of the population.
Even more importantly, the CMA urges all political leaders to develop and clearly communicate their action plans to restore our national unity through health care investments. The CMA directly responds to Canadians’ increasing fears over their job security and financial stability. They argue that given the current external policy environment, Americans should not have to worry about being unable to receive critical health services amidst an economic downturn.
The CMA has a detailed list of these proposed solutions, and you can find them all on its website. It’s helping to orient political leaders toward realizing a future where health care becomes a radical idea of the past. As election debates approach, the organization urges leaders to provide clear and direct answers regarding their plans for enhancing Canada’s health system.
