The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) is applauding the commitments toward a national universal public pharmacare program, dental care, hiring additional doctors and nurses, mental health, long-term care, child care, a just transition and long-overdue supports for Indigenous peoples as part of a confidence-and-supply agreement between the Liberal government and the NDP.
“These progressive policy objectives, once implemented, will make an enormous difference in the lives of millions of Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” said Linda Silas, CFNU President. “The government is committing to significant investments to strengthen our public health care system, and advancing climate action and social justice in our communities. Canada’s nurses are eager to see these policies come into place.”
The CFNU has advocated for a national universal public pharmacare program for over twenty years, working closely with researchers, economists, labour and patient groups, and politicians to build the case for universal access to prescription medicines for everyone in Canada.
“As the federal government’s advisory council’s final report on implementing national pharmacare, led by Dr. Eric Hoskins, concluded, such a program will not only improve health outcomes, it will save Canada billions of dollars each year,” said Ms. Silas. “These savings could be used to bolster our ailing health care system at a time of great need.”
“We are thrilled that this agreement recognizes the need for additional ongoing investments into our health systems, including through the hiring of more health care workers and improving data through work with the provinces and territories. This is the type of leadership we need from our federal government.”
“The pandemic has reminded us of the importance of prioritizing public investments in protecting and improving the health and safety of our population, and to stand in solidarity with our neighbours. We look forward to working with all parliamentarians on implementing these essential changes for the betterment of everyone in Canada,” concluded Silas.