News Release

1999-25
February 17, 1999

Health Minister says budget a "turning point" for Canadian health care

TORONTO - Health Minister Allan Rock said today that the 1999 Budget marked a "turning point for health care in Canada", demonstrating the federal government's commitment to addressing Canadians' number one priority - preserving and strengthening our publicly funded health care system.

In a speech at the University of Toronto, Minister Rock said: "The measures announced yesterday will help ensure Canadians get the health care they expect and deserve. This money will make a real difference in dealing with the immediate concerns of Canadians."

"But equally important, we can now lay the foundation for a stronger health care system over the long term," he said. "Working in partnership with provinces, territories, and our health partners, we can build a health system that will meet the changing health needs of Canadians in the 21st century."

The Minister noted that rapid advances in health science and technology, an aging society, and increased expectations by Canadians will continue to challenge the capacity of a health care system designed more than 30 years ago.

"The challenges facing health care in Canada are significant and pressing," said the Minister. "Responding to these challenges will require not just more money, but a substantial rethinking of how we deliver a full range of health care services in Canada."

"It is essential that we deal not only with short-term pressures, but with longer term issues as well. That is why we are also focusing on research and improving the system's use of modern information and communication technology," said the Minister.

By collecting and sharing comparable information about what works and what doesn't, governments and health care providers will be able to share best practices and judge the effectiveness of different ways of doing things. Technology can also transform the way care is delivered, especially in rural and remote areas, with innovations like telehealth and telemedicine.

"Working with the provinces and territories, we are putting a much needed emphasis on making the health care system more accountable to Canadians. We need to know how best to improve the system for the benefit of Canadians, and to be able to report to them on progress," said Mr. Rock.

"Above all, Canadians want to be healthy and, as Canada's Minister of Health, one of my prime objectives is to support them in maintaining and improving their health," he said. The Budget included an additional $1.4 billion in areas such as health research, pre-natal health, food safety and a national diabetes strategy. "Together these expenditures represent a comprehensive commitment to the health of Canadians," said the Minister.

"With this Budget, the federal government is taking a first step in restoring the confidence of Canadians in their health care system," said Mr. Rock. "The battle to preserve and strengthen Medicare is not over with one budget, however. There will continue to be disagreements over principles and over vision. But with this Budget the federal government is indicating where it will be during the debate -- committed over the long term to supporting a publicly funded, quality health care system for all Canadians."

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