New report by CSA Public Policy Centre provides recommendations for policymakers to address gaps in the healthcare system

TORONTO, February 5, 2024 – The COVID-19 pandemic was a stress test for Canada’s healthcare institutions. Last year, Canada’s premiers met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss new funding for the country’s healthcare system. However, every Canadian province and territory has unique healthcare needs, and the meeting provided only partial clarity on spending priorities. Policymakers are now challenged with preserving the foundational principles of Canadian healthcare while implementing critical new considerations, such as focusing on outcomes, promoting wellness, and prioritizing equity.

The CSA Public Policy Centre‘s has published a new report, Healthcare’s Next Evolution: Rethinking Social Factors in Financing, to support policymakers as they navigate the complex challenges facing the Canadian healthcare system. The report provides a brief history of Medicare in Canada and outlines important considerations for government leaders to both mend and expand Canada’s existing system.

“Canada’s healthcare system should be adapted to focus on more than just physical illness care,” says Sunil Johal, Vice President, Public Policy at CSA Group. “New policy measures focused on pharmacare, mental health, addiction services and other areas can help to better support the social needs of all Canadians.”

The CSA Public Policy Centre’s new report provides recommendations for government leaders to both fix the current challenges in the healthcare system and expand the system to address unmet needs. These include:

• Fixing the System: promote accountability and transparency, support the healthcare workforce, and improve access to primary care.
• Expanding the System: to program areas such as pharmacare, mental health and addiction services, non-physician care, aging care, and virtual care.

“Provinces and territories across Canada are struggling to reach a stable, transparent physician and hospital system”, Johal added. “Achieving both reform and expansion will be difficult but is possible by taking a principled approach that considers the social determinants of health.”

To learn more and download Healthcare’s Next Evolution: Rethinking Social Factors in Financing, visit CSA Group’s website.

About CSA Group

CSA Group is a global organization dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. We are a leader in North American standards development and in product testing, inspection, and certification around the world. Our mandate is to hold the future to a higher standard.

Media May Contact

Claire Brassard
CSA Group
[email protected]
+1-647-631-4712