The Commission on the Future of 
Health Care in Canada

April 4, 2001

The Prime Minister announced today the creation of a Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada, to be chaired by former Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow.

The Commission will :

• undertake a dialogue with Canadians on the future of Canada’s public health care system; and
• recommend policies and measures, respectful of the jurisdictions and powers in Canada, required to ensure over the long term the sustainability of a universally accessible, publicly funded health system - one that offers quality services to Canadians, and that strikes an appropriate balance between investments in prevention and health maintenance, and those directed to care and treatment.

In September 2000, Canada’s first ministers unanimously endorsed the Health Action Plan and expressed their renewed commitment to the five principles of the Canada Health Act : portability, accessibility, universality, comprehensiveness and public administration.

The Health Action Plan was designed to relieve short and medium-term pressures on our health care system with $18.9 billion in new federal transfers to the provinces and territories for health over five years, $2.3 billion in federal investments to help provinces address immediate needs, and an agreement on joint priorities.

It is now time to build on this strong foundation and focus on the long-term sustainability of our public health care system – so that Canada is well prepared for the major technological developments and demographic shifts that will place additional pressure on the health care system in the years to come.

Our public health care system was built on strong, creative cooperation between the federal and provincial governments. And provinces will be important partners in the process we are launching today. In fact, the Commission will draw and build on the work of recent provincial commissions, such as the Clair Commission in Quebec and the Fyke Commission in Saskatchewan.

As a former Premier, Mr. Romanow already has an excellent understanding of provincial views. Furthermore, he has already been in contact with a number of Premiers and he will be speaking with them about the best ways to involve the provinces in the process.

Our public health care system is a defining element in who we are. Canadians have worked hard to build it, and we have the responsibility to preserve it for the future.

Access to health care services is a matter of passionate concern to all Canadians. They want to be involved in discussions about the future of their health system, and this Commission will give them the opportunity to be heard.