Nursing and the Political Agenda

Canadians need the federal government to support the health-care solutions that nursing offers. CNA is asking you to support a campaign to secure a new federal fund of $55 million over 10 years for Advancing Health through Nursing Science. This new research fund will enable nurses to continue growing Canadian science and innovation and strengthening the health system and the economy.
Find out how you can help.

Make your voice heard

Use CNA’s analyses of political issues, legislation and party platforms to make your message more relevant. CNA’s Four Issues for the Election, for example, is a handy reference guide on the issues of interest to nurses and politicians used during the 2008 election.
Read tips on how to write a letter and arrange a meeting with elected officials.
Find out where, when and how to engage politicians

Why meet with your MP? It is always important to raise health-care issues at the federal level.

There is always the chance a minority government could be defeated, forcing an election.
The opposition often has a greater role in influencing a minority government.
All political parties want to hear your views as they develop their policies and election platforms.

Health care as an election issue

The sustainability of the health system is a critical issue for Canadians – and thus politicians.
Opinion polls have consistently shown that access to health care is a top concern for Canadians. A September 2009 Nanos national poll conducted during the economic crisis found that while jobs and the economy were the top national concern at 31 per cent, health care remained a close second at 24 per cent.¹ Further, when asked to identify spending priorities for government during the tough economic times, health care ranked first at 38 per cent while the economy ranked second at 35 per cent.²

Political parties gear up for election

Parties are gearing up for a possible fall 2010 election by sharing some of their platform pieces with Canadians. Throughout parliament’s summer recess, Canadians can expect the federal parties to release new policies as their leaders tour the country gauging reaction from Canadians. The focus on health policies is encouraging, emphasizing health as a major concern for Canadians by the federal leaders.
Recently, NDP leader Jack Layton laid out his party’s commitment to modernizing health care in this speech to the Nova Scotia NDP Convention. Access up-to-date information and policies from the NDP here.
The Conservative government recently introduced their first piece of health-related legislation of this parliamentary session, the Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act. Access up-to-date information and policies from the Conservative party here.
Earlier this spring, the Liberal party announced a policy that would provide incentives for health professionals to work in underserviced areas. Access up-to-date information and policies from the Liberal party here.
News, policies and announcements from the Bloc Quebecois are available here in French, with select items translated on their English page here.
Policies and announcements from the Green Party are available here.

How CNA has helped

In 2008, nurses and nurse leaders used the information on this page to get engaged on the issues. For example, CNA president Kaaren Neufeld discussed health issues with candidates in her riding.
CNA lobbies parliamentarians and the government on nursing issues that affect the health of Canadians.
CNA also supports nurses’ engagement in the political process by providing them with the tools they need.

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.

¹ Nanos Research. (2009). Nanos Report, September 10th, 2009. Ottawa: Author. Retrieved November 3, 2009 from http://www.nanosresearch.com/library/polls/POLNAT-S09-T386E.pdf

² Nanos Research. (2009). Stat Sheet – Canada Omnibus – Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions. Ottawa: Author. Retrieved November 2, 2009, from http://www.nanosresearch.com/library/polls/POLNAT-S09-T378.pdf

Updated: July 5, 2010