Federal, provincial, and territorial health ministers are currently gathered in Calgary for a two-day conference, focusing on discussions related to interprovincial credential recognition and funding agreements. Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel’s office highlighted the agenda, which includes talks on mental health, addiction issues, and vaccination programs.
Adriana LaGrange, Alberta’s minister of primary and preventative health services, is co-chairing the meetings alongside Minister Michel. LaGrange aims to secure federal commitments to existing health funding programs and address health-care worker shortages. Additionally, she seeks assurances from Ottawa regarding Alberta’s fair share of funding for provincial pharmacare, even without Alberta’s participation in the national program.
Notably, three provinces and one territory have already joined the pharmacare program, offering coverage for contraceptives and diabetes medication. LaGrange emphasized the adequacy of Alberta’s current coverage plans and suggested utilizing federal funding to enhance the provincial program further.
During the conference, the ministers will engage with national doctors and nurses organizations to explore collaborative strategies for supporting and retaining health workers. Linda Silas, president of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, is advocating for concrete actions to combat abuse experienced by nurses in their workplace.
Silas stressed the urgency of changing the culture within the healthcare system to protect healthcare workers. She emphasized the need for ministers to mandate that individuals who assault healthcare workers face legal consequences, similar to the consequences of assaulting a police officer.
The Canadian Medical Association reported that a significant proportion of physicians have experienced mistreatment from patients or their families. Survey data revealed that 74% of physicians faced bullying, harassment, or discrimination in the workplace, a slight decrease from the previous year.
Dr. Margot Burnell, president of the Canadian Medical Association, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by doctors within an overstretched healthcare system. While improvements have been noted in some areas, burnout remains a prevalent issue among healthcare providers.
The ongoing discussions at the conference aim to strengthen collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial entities to protect and enhance Canada’s healthcare system.