Public health care is more than a cost; it’s a pillar of strong economies
June 17, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – As G7 leaders meet in Alberta to consider the uncertain global economic outlook, hundreds of Canadian economists and health policy experts have issued an open letter to government urging them to put stronger public health care at the center of future economic strategies.
“Canada’s public health care system is the foundation of our economy, but it remains in crisis. Amidst global uncertainties and trade pressures, it’s time to strengthen our public health care system for the betterment of patients, workers and our economy at large,” explained Linda Silas, President of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU).
Launched today by the CFNU and the Centre for Future Work, “The Economic Benefits of Canada’s Public Health Care System” was signed by 275 economists, health policy experts and experts in related fields across Canada. It highlights the numerous economic benefits generated by Canada’s universal public health care system, including:
“It is more important than ever to understand the economic value of sound public health care policies in Canada,” the letter reads. “Medicare is not just a cost item on government budgets. It is also a pillar of Canada’s economy, an engine of innovation, and a critical source of decent employment.”
The letter was initiated by five co-sponsors: Marc-André Gagnon, Professor at Carleton University; Dr. Alika Lafontaine, past president of the Canadian Medical Association; Dr. Danielle Martin, Professor at the University of Toronto; Steve Morgan, Professor at the University of British Columbia; and Jim Stanford, Economist and director of the Centre for Future Work.
“Public health care supports millions of jobs, fuels world-class innovation, and creates a healthier, more productive population. It’s time we treat public health care as essential to Canada’s future,” Silas said.
The full letter and list of 275 signatories can be viewed here.
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The CFNU is Canada’s largest nurses’ organization, representing 250,000 frontline unionized nurses and nursing students in every sector of health care – from home care and LTC to community and acute care – and advocating on key priorities to strengthen public health care across the country.
For more information, please contact Adella Khan, media@nursesunions.ca, 613‑807‑2942.