Nursing and the Political Agenda
Urging governments to adopt guiding principles for health-care transformation
CNA and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) together have defined a set of principles to guide health-care transformation in Canada. We’re working together to encourage provincial, territorial and federal governments to use these principles as they begin to build a successor to the current health accord, which expires in 2014.
Building on the five pillars of the Canada Health Act, these principles are meant to steer the transformation of Canada’s health-care system toward one that is publicly funded, sustainable, adequately resourced and able to provide universal access to quality care. These principles have been endorsed by health organizations from across the country, a powerful expression of their relevance and resonance.
The principles are summarized as follows:
- Patient-centred: Patients must be at the centre of health care, with seamless access to the continuum of care based on their needs.
- Quality: Canadians deserve quality services that are appropriate for patient needs, respect individual choice and are delivered in a manner that is timely, safe, effective and according to the most currently available scientific knowledge.
- Health promotion and illness prevention: The health system must support Canadians in the prevention of illness and the enhancement of their well-being, with attention paid to broader social determinants of health.
- Equitable: The health-care system has a duty to Canadians to provide and advocate for equitable access to quality care and commonly adopted policies to address the social determinants of health.
- Sustainable: Sustainable health care requires universal access to quality health services that are adequately resourced and delivered across the board in a timely and cost-effective manner.
- Accountable: The public, patients, families, providers and funders all have a responsibility for ensuring the system is effective and accountable.
Download Principles to Guide Health Transformation in Canada.
Make your voice heard
- Read tips on how to write a letter and arrange a meeting with elected officials.
Why meet with your MP? It is always important to raise health-care issues at the federal level.
- All political parties want to hear your views as they develop and review their policies
This information is part of CNA’s ongoing efforts to serve the nursing community in Canada. For information about current MPs and Senators, visit www.parl.gc.ca.
Updated: September 8, 2011
