2006-54
June 30, 2006
For immediate release
OTTAWA - The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, today released the Final Report of the Federal Wait Times Advisor. The report by Dr. Brian Postl addresses the complex issue of reducing wait times, which Canadians have identified as their top health care priority.
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to thank Dr. Postl for providing us with this comprehensive report," said Minister Clement. "It reaffirms the course all governments are taking, particularly to invest in research, information technology and better utilization of health human resources. These are the building blocks of the Patient Wait Times Guarantee."
Reducing wait times is a priority for all governments, so that Canadians receive the care they need in a timely way within the publicly funded health care system. Budget 2006 confirmed the Governments priority to work with the provinces and territories to establish a Patient Wait Times Guarantee. The budget also confirmed that $5.5 billion of the $41 billion allocated to provinces and territories over ten years is being provided specifically to reduce wait times.
"Tackling wait times is not just about raising the bar on our funding," said Minister Clement. "Its about changing the basic way we do things. Its about making real, concrete system change, and sharing the innovative practices that are already resulting in reduced wait times in jurisdictions across the country."
Dr. Postl was appointed in July 2005 to facilitate progress on wait times commitments made by First Ministers in September 2004. His report reflects the work and the consultations he conducted with governments, health care professionals and other experts.
"I would also like to thank our provincial and territorial counterparts for their collaboration on this report, and I look forward to continuing the dialogue with them," added Minister Clement. "As Dr. Postl has noted, we are already seeing promising results across the country. Progress is being made, and wait times are shrinking in key areas. We believe it is important for Canadians to be assured that they are receiving the care they need in a timely way within the publicly funded health care system."
The Final Report of the Federal Wait Times Advisor can be found on the Health Canada web site.
Printed copies of the report will be available shortly from Health Canadas Distribution Centre:
PL 0900 C2
Ottawa ON
K1A 0K9
publications@hc-sc-gc.ca
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