Report of National Forum on Health

"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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• National Forum on Health