OTTAWA, Sept. 22, 2015 /CNW/ - Canada's Health Action Lobby (HEAL) reminds federal leaders that Canadians want government to make the challenges facing our health-care system a priority. Public opinion research consistently reveals that Canadians care deeply about finding the sustainable and cost-effective options that will enhance our national health. And healthy Canadians make for a healthy and competitive economy. Yet, to date, policy debates associated with the 2015 federal election have rarely focused on health care.
Through its Consensus Statement entitled The Canadian Way - Accelerating Innovation and Improving Health System Performance, HEAL has issued a call to action, contending that an effective health system depends on enhanced collaboration among all levels of government. HEAL also expects the federal government to re-assert its legitimate and facilitative leadership role.
"HEAL speaks on behalf of the health organizations and professionals who understand what it will take to keep the focus on the patient, improve health outcomes and get better value from our health-care spending," says, HEAL Co-Chair, Dr. Karen Cohen. "Canadians want clarity about the vision each of the federal parties has for our national health-care system, before they go to the polls."
"The Canadian Way is a consensus statement that evolved from significant consultations and dialogue within Canada's health sector," says HEAL Co-Chair, Michael Brennan. "The recommendations in that statement are practical, meaningful and sustainable."
HEAL is a coalition of 39 national health and consumer associations and organizations dedicated to protecting and strengthening Canada's health system. Created in 1991, and representing more than 650,000 health-care providers and Canada's largest health organizations, the major focus of HEAL's activities has been on the federal role in health and health care. The Canadian Way Consensus Statement calls for health sector reform and funding initiatives grounded in compassion, consensus, and collaboration.
SOURCE The Health Action Lobby
Image with caption: "Health Action Lobby (CNW Group/The Health Action Lobby)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150922_C6868_PHOTO_EN_500786.jpg
Media Contacts: Lisa Robertson: 613-739-7032, [email protected]; Susan Wright: 519-703-2020, [email protected]; www.healthactionlobby.ca, @CanadaHEAL, Read The Canadian Way at http://tinyurl.com/q3c7gyl
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