In a recent statement, Canada's Minister of Health, Mark Holland, addressed the pressing challenges within the nation's healthcare system, including overwhelmed emergency rooms, limited access to primary care providers, and the immense strain on healthcare workers. He emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts across all government levels to effectively tackle these issues.
The federal government has made significant investments to bolster public healthcare and alleviate pressures on provincial and territorial systems. Notably, $200 billion in bilateral agreements have been established with each province and territory to enhance family health services, reduce backlogs, and modernize healthcare infrastructure.
Additionally, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has been introduced to provide dental coverage for nine million Canadians previously without access. This initiative aims to offer necessary care promptly, preventing more severe health complications and reducing additional burdens on the healthcare system. To date, over 1.2 million Canadians have utilized oral health services under the CDCP.
The government is also advancing a pharmacare plan to offer free access to various diabetes medications and contraceptives, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede individuals from obtaining essential medications.
To further safeguard equitable access to medically necessary care, the Minister announced the new Canada Health Act (CHA) Services Policy. Effective April 1, 2026, this policy mandates that if a service is deemed medically necessary, it should be covered by provincial or territorial health plans, regardless of whether it is provided by a physician or a qualified health professional, such as a nurse practitioner. Any charges to patients for these services after the implementation date will be considered extra-billing and will result in deductions from provincial or territorial health transfers.
Minister Holland acknowledged the progress made by provinces and territories in integrating virtual care into their healthcare systems and expressed eagerness to discuss further advancements in this area at the upcoming Health Ministers' Meeting.
Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that all Canadians receive the healthcare they need, when and where they need it, without financial barriers. He emphasized that through collective efforts, this goal is becoming a reality.
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