September 25, 2012
For immediate release
OTTAWA - Today, the Government of Canada tabled its response to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology report Time for Transformative Change: A Review of the 2004 Health Accord.
The Government's response is grounded in the following core values:
- a steadfast commitment to Canada's universal, publicly funded health care system;
- the recognition that provincial and territorial governments hold primary responsibility for the delivery of care; and
- the firm belief that Canadians can and should play an active role in their own health.
The response outlines the significant federal actions being taken to strengthen Canada's health care system and improve the health of Canadians.
Budget 2012 placed health transfers to provinces and territories on a sustainable long-term track, reaching at least $40 billion by 2020-21.
The federal government is the single-largest investor in health innovation in Canada, supporting over 10,000 health research projects. Targeted investments are also being made in key national initiatives that contribute to improved health system performance, measurement and the sharing of best practices across the country.
Equally important, the federal government promotes and protects the health of Canadians through its public health and regulatory programs.
While many of the investments made to advance the objectives set out in the 2004 Accord focused on increasing system capacity, there is a growing consensus that the focus must shift to providing better, more appropriate and efficient care with available resources. In responding to the Senate Committee's report, the Government notes the significant innovations occurring across the country to make health services more integrated, responsive to patients and their families, and to ensure the system is sustainable.
"As the Senate Committee's report makes clear, real change in health care requires individuals and organizations at every level to do their part. We are pleased to have played a role in many of the improvements already taking place across the country," noted Minister Aglukkaq. "Our Government will continue to work collaboratively with its partners, and all Canadians, to make Canada's health care system the best it can be."
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Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
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Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
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