CMA glad to see agenda-setting dynamic in Throne Speech

OTTAWA, Dec. 4, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Today's Throne Speech addresses the Canadian Medical Association's long-standing calls for federal leadership on health and social policy, CMA President Dr. Cindy Forbes said.

Like all Canadians, the CMA will be watching for the government to fill in the details in the promises and principles outlined in the Throne Speech, Dr. Forbes said. But the government's agenda as laid out in the Throne Speech displays a new dynamic in how the federal government sees its obligations to all Canadians.

"A new health accord and a willingness to work with the provincial and territorial governments are the top issues the CMA was looking for in the Throne Speech," Dr. Forbes said.

The CMA also supports the government's commitments to indigenous peoples, investments in social infrastructure and a cleaner environment.

"Physicians have known for a very long time that how well people live — the social determinants of health — will determine whether they have healthy lives or not. We're glad to see that the government understands that economic and social policy are closely tied."

The CMA believes the mandate letters to cabinet ministers, released Nov. 13, and today's Throne Speech add up to a very promising start to the 42^nd Parliament.

The CMA is looking forward to working with Canada's new government and all opposition parties to make life better for all Canadians, Dr. Forbes said.

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 80,000 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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