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Report of National Forum on Health
February 4, 1997
Ottawa,Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today thanked the members
of the National Forum on Health as he was presented with their
final report.
"The Forum has clearly fulfilled the mandate it was given
to inform and involve Canadians in a dialogue on health and health
care," said the Prime Minister. "This is a creative,
comprehensive and common sense view of how governments can work
together to address the long-term reform of health care in Canada."
Following up on a Red Book commitment, the National Forum on Health
was established in October 1994 as an arm's length advisory board.
Its 24 members represent all regions and diverse backgrounds,
but all are recognized for their expertise and experience in the
health field. The Forum met with 1,600 Canadians in 71 communities
across the country as part of an extensive consultation process.
Serving on a volunteer basis, Forum members produced a unanimous
report, under budget and ahead of schedule.
"I was pleased to see that the National Forum affirmed its
strong support for the principles of the Canada Health Act,"
noted the Prime Minister. "The report also concluded that
Canada's health care system is fundamentally sound, but that we
can spend our health care dollars more effectively and efficiently.
The Forum's consultations clearly showed that Canadians want the
federal government to remain as the guardians of medicare. Our
government is convinced that, through careful reform, Canada's
quality health care system can be preserved for generations to
come. Medicare is a cherished legacy that we will never abandon
as long as I am Prime Minister. Universal medicare has helped
give Canada the best quality of life in the world."
"We want to give this report the serious consideration it
deserves. But I can assure Canadians that the report will not
be gathering dust on a shelf. Our government will be acting on
these recommendations in the days, months and years to come."
"As our health care system inevitably changes and evolves,
Canadians have shown they want to be involved in the decision-making
process. This National Forum has offered that opportunity. But
the dialogue must continue, because this is an issue that is very
important to the Canadian people."
"We will work in a cooperative partnership with the provinces
as we develop a response to these proposals. The provinces and
territories recently released their own report on health care.
Together, these reports are an excellent foundation on which to
continue this dialogue."
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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