The negotiations on the 2014 Health Accord begin today as provincial and territorial health ministers from across the country gather in Halifax. The provinces are getting together to plan their strategy for negotiating with the federal government. In the end, our health hangs in the balance.
You can see the Health Network’s media release here: http://bit.ly/u1gsOS
The last Health Accord in 2004 stabilized funding for public health care, but it did little to stop for-profit privatization. It also failed to set new national standards or extend Medicare to include new services. In 2014, we need action on these three key areas. In 2014 we need to Protect, Strengthen and Extend Medicare.
The Nova Scotia Citizens’ Health Care Network is calling on Health Minister Maureen MacDonald, and other provincial health ministers to:
- Protect Medicare by stopping the growth of private, for-profit health care
- Strengthen Medicare through increased federal funding and new national standards
- Extend Medicare to include important health care services Canadians need, like pharmacare, continuing care and dental care.
This is a once in a decade opportunity to achieve lasting change in public health care.
When Medicare was initially envisioned it included two phases. Medicare Phase 1 was about hospitals and doctors and making sure people had access to the emergency care they need on a regular basis. Medicare Phase 2 was suppose to be about keeping people healthy in the first place by investing in prevention, primary care, and the social determinants of health. Decades later, we’re still waiting for Phase 2. Let’s make it happen in 2014.
Come to the press conference at 10 am today at Province House.
Or come to the town hall meeting tonight featuring Maude Barlow and give your feedback on your priorities for 2014. Doors open at 6:00 pm with the event starting at 6:30. It all happens at St Andrew’s United Church Hall, 6063 Coburg Rd.
You can also join us for a Rally to Protect, Strengthen, Extend Medicare at 12 noon at Victoria Park (Spring Garden and South Park) on Friday, Nov 25.
Hope to see you there!
