Health Care
As in many countries around the world, Canada’s health care systems are facing increasing pressure as a result of changing demographics and more advanced treatments, as well as the evolving needs and expectations of its users.
Having primary responsibility for health care, provinces and territories are best placed to address the challenges and opportunities within their health care systems. Health care continues to occupy an increasingly larger share of provincial and territorial budgets.
Premiers are ensuring that provincial and territorial health systems are increasingly more patient-centred and sustainable. In particular, provinces and territories are:
• shortening wait times for key procedures;
• finding efficiencies;
• improving access to primary care; and,
• emphasizing healthy living, which will improve quality of life.
Premiers met on January 16-17, 2012 to discuss health care and fiscal arrangements.