Silas: Amidst nurse and physician shortages and long wait times, this is a win for everyone in Canada
The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) applauds Minister of Health Mark Holland’s decision to ensure medically necessary services are included in provincial and territorial health plans, whether they’re provided by a physician or physician-equivalent. This means services provided by nurse practitioners will no longer cost people service fees and will be covered by Canada’s public health care system.
“The Canada Health Act Services Policy is a critical step in the right direction. Nurse practitioners are a growing workforce with the potential to ease the primary care crisis. Their inclusion in the Canada Health Act is key to ensuring everyone in Canada has equitable access to the care they need,” explained CFNU President Linda Silas.
Silas emphasized the importance of protecting Canada’s cherished public health care system to meet the evolving health needs of Canadians.
“With more ways to serve patients within the public system, we can increase access to care from coast to coast to coast. Amidst nurse and physician shortages and long wait times, this is a win for everyone in Canada,” said Silas. “Nurses and health care workers have expanded their roles over the last 40 years to provide Canadians with the care they need. This key addition to the Canada Health Act is the kind of innovation and growth Canada’s health care system needs.”
Canada’s nurses will be on the ground at the upcoming Health Ministers’ Meeting in Halifax, ready to engage with provincial, territorial and federal leaders on continuing to strengthen our public health care system.
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