News Release

2003-25
May 2, 2003
For immediate release

Health ministers provide update on status of Health Council

OTTAWA - The Honourable Anne McLellan, Federal Minister of Health and Jane Purves, Nova Scotia Minister of Health, on behalf of federal, provincial and territorial Health ministers, today provided an update on progress being made in the establishment of a Health Council, a key commitment in the February 2003 First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal.

The Ministers advised of a short delay in announcing details about the Council due to the SARS outbreak, which has demanded considerable time and attention.

"This short delay reflects circumstances, not commitment. We are personally committed to the establishment of the Health Council that will report regularly to all Canadians on the implementation of the Accord," said Minister McLellan and Minister Purves. "This is one of the many important measures of accountability built into the Accord agreed to by First Ministers."

Ministers McLellan and Purves confirmed that significant progress has been made in development of the proposed structure and characteristics of the Council. Following the Accord, governments immediately began to work to establish the Council. Ministers McLellan and Purves anticipate that Health ministers will continue their discussions on the Council, with a view to making an announcement to establish the Council by the end of May.

On February 5, 2003, Canada's First Ministers agreed to a new health plan to improve access to quality care for all Canadians. The plan provides for the creation of a new Health Reform Fund for primary care, home care and catastrophic drug coverage, and new investments for the purchase of diagnostic and medical equipment, and information technology.

-30-

Media enquiries:
Farah Mohamed
Office of Anne McLellan
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-1694

Duff Montgomery
Office of Jane Purves
Nova Scotia Minister of Health
(902) 424-2402