News Release

February 4, 1997
1997-04

Health Minister Dingwall welcomes National Forum on Health report, commends members

OTTAWA -- Health Minister David Dingwall today welcomed the report of the National Forum on Health, Canada Health Action: Building on the Legacy, which maps out a long- term plan for reforming the health care system and improving the health of Canadians.

"This report should be positive news to anyone who is concerned about the future of health care in Canada," Minister Dingwall said. "It is an enlightened, independent assessment of where we need to devote our energies to sustain and renew our health system. It was conducted by a highly professional team of volunteers who have consulted with Canadians for more than two years."

The report clearly confirms the value Canadians place on the health care system and their recognition of the need for its renewal. It recommends that to sustain the health care system, public funding should be extended to services that Canadians need today as health care moves beyond its traditional setting of hospitals and doctors' offices.

The report also notes that the Canada Health Act's principles of public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability and accessibility are "critical to preserving Medicare, yet flexible enough to accommodate organizational reforms".

Minister Dingwall emphasized the value of the report to Canada. "On the basis of consultations with Canadians, the Forum has provided a strategic assessment of the current system and identifies specific steps to better manage total health care resources, to sustain the health care system, and to improve the health and well-being of Canadians. I intend to discuss the report's key recommendations with my provincial and territorial colleagues at our next meeting."

"This is a reasonable and forward-looking report," Mr. Dingwall said. "It clearly identifies the critical issues Canada must face to ensure that our health system remains responsive to the changing needs of Canadians. It emphasizes that we all have a role to play in preserving our health care system."

"As federal Minister of Health, I strongly support the report's recommendations on the need to promote evidence-based decision making. The federal government has a strong leadership role to play here, in collaboration with provinces and territories."

Minister Dingwall noted that he also strongly supported the recommendation to address children's health issues. "The government is determined to take action here. Last week, provinces and territories agreed on a new approach that will improve the lives of those children and families who are most in need. We know the pressures on young people today and the tragic loss of young lives to suicide, especially in native communities. A concerted effort to improve conditions that affect the well-being of children and young people is one of the most strategic long term investments we could make."

The 24 volunteer members of the Forum say that most of their recommendations require collaboration between governments and other sectors. Although some issues call for urgent action, other recommendations can be addressed as the fiscal environment permits.

The Minister noted that he will schedule early discussions with his Cabinet colleagues as well as his provincial and territorial counterparts and other key stakeholders such as the Canadian Medical Association, other health professionals including public health groups and individuals.

The National Forum on Health was launched in October 1994 to involve and inform Canadians and to advise the federal government on ways to improve the health system and the health of Canadians. The members were appointed for their experience in the health system as professionals, consumers and volunteers.

Minister Dingwall today commended the members of the National Forum for their dedication, for the manner in which they consulted with Canadians, and for their timely completion of the report ahead of schedule.

Copies of the National Forum on Health Report can be obtained by calling the National Forum on Health Secretariat at (613) 941-1584.

For information:
Health Canada
Monette Haché
(613) 957-1803

National Forum on
Health Secretariat
Lise Corbett
(613) 957-3268