Marjorie Michel, assistant deputy minister of health for Canada, expressed concern over recent moves by U.S. public health agencies. She argues these measures would be regressive and detrimental to the health of Canadians and should not be adopted. Notably, the U.S. agencies have decided to eliminate a universal hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for infants, raising alarms about the potential consequences this could have on cross-border health dynamics.
Michel underlined her point by reiterating that her first duty is to defend the health of Canadians. She said it was “deeply regrettable” that the U.S. had decided this. Specifically, she was curious how Canadian health policy might be influenced by shifts across the border in the United States. If we’re buying the pitch they’re making, Michel continued, reminding the audience of the importance of being critical when evaluating overseas health recommendations.
Addressing Rising Health Concerns
Alongside her concerns about U.S. public health policies, Michel is actively working with local organizations to address an ongoing outbreak affecting Canadians. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is currently increasing its capacity to inform the public about health concerns. This push follows on the heels of a troubling announcement that Canada has recently lost its measles elimination status because of a surge of cases across the country.
In discussing the importance of public trust in health recommendations, Michel stated, “It’s a change in culture, I would say, for the Canadian public. We have to build trust in science.” Her statement serves to underscore the commitment by the Ministry to transparency and accountability to Canadians. This gives them the confidence to make real-time decisions based on credible scientific data.
As hundreds of measles cases continue to be reported, Michel’s team is poised, ready to respond. She emphasized the current alarming resurgence of preventable diseases as an urgent wakeup call. Safe and effective vaccination programs, along with robust public health initiatives, are needed now more than ever.
Evaluation of Alberta’s Health Care Expansion
Michel’s passion for medicine is leading her to focus on infectious diseases. Simultaneously, she is studying Alberta’s recent move to expand private healthcare options in the province with a fine-tooth comb. This plan allows patients to pay for healthcare services, including surgeries, which raises questions about compliance with the Canada Health Act.
“The Canada Health Act sets out conditions for the country’s universal, publicly funded system,” Michel explained. Her goal is to make sure that no Canadian is ever again found standing outside the protective umbrella of this healthcare community. Right now, her team is looking to see if experience in Alberta’s pilot program stacks up with approaches at a national level.
Though she disapproves of Alberta’s rapid expansion of healthcare, Michel is still determined to encourage collaboration between political parties at all levels. “I don’t want to politicize something that is really talking about the health of Canadians,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing public health challenges.
Ontario’s Response to Surgical Demand
Ontario’s recently released 10-year strategic plan includes the investment of $125 million over the next two years. These funds will go a long way in addressing the growing backlog of orthopedic elective surgeries. This collaborative project is projected to increase capacity by an additional 20,000 surgeries at community-based surgical clinics throughout the province.
Michel congratulated Ontario on their forward thinking. Yet, he stressed the importance of a coordinated national approach to ensure fair access to health services for all Canadians. Her devotion to ensuring everyone stayed under the “Canada health tent” continues to be an animating force in her work.
