February 6, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today welcomed the release of the interim report of the Commission on the Future of Health Care In Canada.

Chaired by Roy Romanow, the Commission was struck by the Prime Minister in April 2001 to undertake a dialogue with Canadians and recommend policies and measures over the long term to ensure the sustainability of universally accessible, publicly-funded health care in Canada.

"I am pleased with the progress that Mr. Romanow has made since last April," said the Prime Minister. "The themes of his interim report - values, funding, quality, access, and leadership - will be useful in guiding the nation-wide consultations he will undertake with all Canadians on options for the future."

The release of the interim report marks the mid-point of the Commission’s work. The Chair will deliver a final report to the Prime Minister by November of this year.

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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555

The interim report of the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada entitled Shape the Future of Health Care is available at www.healthcarecommission.ca.

Copies can be purchased through bookstores that carry government publications or through Canadian Government Publishing at www.publications.gc.ca. Orders may also be placed by calling 1-800-635-7943.