CNA statement on the outcome of the FPT health ministers meeting

Toronto, October 18, 2016 — Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) president Barb Shellian took the opportunity today to issue a statement in response to the federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) health ministers meeting in Toronto:

“We were pleased today to see FPT health ministers meeting to discuss important health issues that matter to Canadians, including the new health accord, home care, Indigenous health, the opioid crisis and mental health, access to prescription medications, and medical assistance in dying.

“While today’s discussions were not expected to result in a new health accord, we are encouraged by Health Minister Philpott’s remarks on the need for provincial and territorial accountability for federal health spending. This will be critical for ensuring that Canada Health Transfer funds go directly to provincial and territorial health budgets and not into general revenue streams.

“As per our October 6 letter to provincial and territorial health ministers, CNA will continue to reinforce the need for an accountability framework to underpin the health accord and upcoming investments in home care. This approach was used as part of the 2011-2014 affordable housing framework, which also featured bilateral agreements and is equally applicable to the proposed $3 billion in federal funding for home care.

“We are also optimistic about today’s discussions. Through this dialogue among FPT ministers, a health accord can be reached that will deliver positive change to health services. Both patients and taxpayers are benefiting from these discussions, which are being undertaken in the spirit of collaboration, transparency and accountability.

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The Canadian Nurses Association is the national professional voice representing over 139,000 registered nurses and nurse practitioners in Canada. CNA advances the practice and profession of nursing to improve health outcomes and strengthen Canada’s publicly funded, not-for-profit health system.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Ménard
Communications Advisor
Canadian Nurses Association
Tel.: 613-237-2159, ext. 543
E-mail: kmenard@cna-aiic.ca

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