Comparing U.S., Canadian health-care systems
NEW YORK CITY—One thing Americans and Canadians can agree on is that we don’t want each other’s health-care systems. In truth, most Americans don’t know how Canada’s system works and Canadians don’t know much about the U.S. system. What Americans know has come mainly from the negative talking points of politicians and others who […]
Wait times a matter of management, leadership
Dealing with the problem of long wait times for primary care physicians, specialists, procedures, and emergency rooms is a management issue. Long wait times are a consequence of poorly organized, poorly coordinated and unintegrated care, not simply an issue of funding. This was well-recognized by provinces and the federal government. As a result, in […]
Feds’ lack of leadership impacts Canadians dealing with chronic illness
Despite calls from health-care organizations, health practitioners, and the NDP, the Conservative government continues to walk away from its commitments to health care. With no one at the wheel, Canada’s health-care system is fragmenting and will not be able to meet the needs of the future. An important change of direction could reduce costs, […]
Striving for best possible health outcomes
Canadians are among the healthiest people in the world. We are living longer and enjoying more quality years in good health than ever before. We are also living in a time and place of remarkable progress in medical technology. Research and development are contributing enormously to faster diagnoses and more effective treatments. Modern information […]
Health Accord ‘fell short,’ says Health Canada briefing notes
Recently-released briefing notes on the future of the Canada Health Accord prepared for Health Minister Rona Ambrose make it clear that the federal government has no plans to strike a new long-term agreement on health care with the provinces and territories. The documents, prepared for Ms. Ambrose (Edmonton-Spruce Grove, Alta.) following her appointment to […]
Wait times show little progress as Health Accord expires
Federal, provincial and territorial leaders pledged to make “meaningful reductions” to wait times for cancer treatment, heart treatment, joint replacements, sight restoration, and diagnostic imaging under the 2004 Health Accord, but 10 years on the results have been mixed, and far from optimal. The 2013 annual wait times report card by the Wait Time […]
Medical pot industry upbeat on new federal regulations
A new class of medical marijuana entrepreneurs is upbeat on the prospects of new federal regulations that will take production out of homes and into privately owned and operated facilities, but physician and patient groups are raising concerns about the incoming framework. Canada’s regulatory regime for medical marijuana is undergoing a major transformation. For more […]
Environment commissioner warns of lost scientific data
Interim Environment Commissioner Neil Maxwell says that the federal government will need strong scientific research to follow through on the recommendations made in his office’s latest report on biodiversity and species protection. “If you’re going to manage biodiversity, you have to have good science to make decisions,” Mr. Maxwell told The Hill Times. “If […]
Climate change also a security threat
What is an environmental issue? However you define it, Harper is against it. “Environment” means different things to different people. To some, it is the natural world for which conservation values will protect sustainable populations and ecosystems for future generations. The roots of that conservation ethic go back to the late 1800s, and Gifford […]
Expect nothing on environment from feds
After nearly a decade, it has become painfully obvious that Canadians can expect next to nothing from the Harper Government™ by way of environmental initiatives. Whether it is GHG emission reductions, responsible resource development, or help in reducing our carbon footprint, the Harper Government™ is maliciously indifferent. Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s message is clear: […]
