News Release

1998-07
February 4, 1998

Minister marks first anniversary of National Forum on Health Report

Ottawa - On the first anniversary of the release of the report of the National Forum on Health, Minister Allan Rock stated that the direction and advice provided by the Forum continues to guide work aimed at improving Canada's health system.

"The Forum consulted extensively with Canadians and mapped out clear directions for our health care system and, more broadly, for how we organize to ensure the long term health of the population," said Minister Rock. "The federal government acted swiftly on several fronts over the past year, investing in Medicare as it now exists and preparing the ground for longer-term reforms to both health care and our approach to health in general."

"We know the value Canadians place on their health care system," said Mr. Rock. "The recent increase in the Canada Health and Social Transfer to $12.5 billion, as recommended by the Forum, is a direct response to public concerns about the current system."

"Canadians told the Forum they want governments to respect the five principles of the Canada Health Act which underpin the health care system," noted the Minister. "One of my objectives as federal Minister of Health has been to work in an open and transparent manner with my provincial and territorial colleagues on issues involving the interpretation of the Canada Health Act. I believe that our recent experience in working with Alberta on issues surrounding the opening of a private hospital demonstrates how a cooperative approach can work."

The Forum recommended investing in the longer term reform of the health care system through a Health Transition Fund that would finance pilot projects in primary care, integrated health care delivery and the possible expansion of the system to include homecare and pharmacare. The federal government is spending $150 million over three years to fund pilot projects designed by the provinces and territories, as well as to finance three national conferences on pharmacare, homecare and next week's conference on Health Info-Structure being held in Edmonton.

The report recommended taking action in social, economic and environmental areas that can strongly influence health, such as income, employment and social and living conditions. Minister Rock noted that initiatives such as the National Child Benefit and the collaborative work underway with provinces and territories to develop a Canadian children's agenda are investments in the health of the next generation. The reinvestment of $100 million in Health Canada's community programs aimed at children at risk, the Community Action Program for Children and Canada's Prenatal Nutrition Program, reflected the Forum's recommendation that children be the focus of investment in health.

The federal government also invested $50 million to support development of a comprehensive national health information system and established a Ministerial Advisory Committee on health info-structure. "I see the development of this essential information technology as absolutely critical to our ability to have an effective health care system and our ability to make informed decisions about health. Unless we have the health surveillance systems to alert us to emerging health threats and trends, the data on what works and what does not work in the health care system and the means to share information across jurisdictions, we will never have a truly pan-Canadian approach to health and health care," said Minister Rock. "These are some of the issues we will be looking at next week in Edmonton."

Minister Rock noted that five volumes of research papers commissioned by the National Forum on Health will be released at the end of February. The five volume series brings together 42 studies by eminent health specialists from across Canada. The papers present a thorough review of contemporary health and health care issues and suggest priorities for action to address the most pressing current issues.

The National Forum on Health was established by the Prime Minister in October 1994 as an independent advisory body to the federal government. Its 24 members, representing all regions of Canada, conducted an in-depth analysis of Canada`s health care system which included extensive public consultation. The National Forum completed its work in just over two years at a cost of $10 million.

Media Inquiries:
Derek Kent
Minister's Office
(613) 957-1515

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991