More than 40,000 Canadians "Demanding a Plan" for seniors care

Award-winning CMA campaign now features real-life stories of system failing Canadians

OTTAWA, Nov. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - The number of Canadians pressing for action to improve seniors care in Canada through the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Demand a Plan campaign has surpassed 40,000 and continues to climb.

"Behind every one of these supporters is someone – or someone's loved one – who is not getting the high-quality seniors care he or she deserves," said Dr. Granger Avery, the CMA President. "Canada needs a new national Health Accord that will help our health care system meet the needs of Canada's growing and aging population."

The number of supporters adding their voice to the call for action at Demand a Plan has grown by over 25,000 since last fall's federal election, when the CMA launched the campaign to ensure the voices of Canadians would be heard on health care. The Demand a Plan site has also expanded to include real-life stories from supporters trying to navigate the health care system to get care for themselves or their loved one.

"During the election campaign last fall Demand a Plan supporters got the issue of seniors care on the election agenda, but now Canadians want action in the form of new Health Accord," added Dr. Avery.

The CMA recently released Improving the health of all Canadians: A vision for the future, which provides six clear and actionable recommendations that should be part of the 2017 federal/provincial/territorial Health Accord:

• targeted extra funding as a "top-up" to the Canada Health Transfer for provinces and territories with more seniors;
• coverage for highly expensive medication so that Canadians do not experience undue financial hardship if they are sick;
• more financial support for family caregivers by making tax credits refundable;
• a national strategy for palliative and end-of-life care;
• a coordinated home care plan so that healthy seniors can continue to live in their homes and get the support they need; and
• key infrastructure investments to improve and provide more long-term care for Canadians who need it.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 83,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is helping physicians care for patients. The CMA will be the leader in engaging and serving physicians and be the national voice for the highest standards for health and health care.

SOURCE Canadian Medical Association

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