OTTAWA, ON, March 28, 2025 – Over 1,000 Canadian physicians, prominent health experts, and patients convened in Ottawa, both in person and virtually, for the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) Health Summit. The summit aimed to identify solutions for improving healthcare and to address the tasks ahead in the upcoming federal election.
Given concerns among Canadians regarding threats from the Trump administration, there’s a heightened need to ensure reliable healthcare access. Dr. Joss Reimer, President of the CMA, emphasized the Canadian commitment to mutual care, stating that the election period presents an ideal opportunity for political leaders to champion the publicly funded healthcare system and demonstrate their dedication to the issues most important to Canadians.
With Canadian productivity as a key topic during the election, Health Summit participants also stressed the importance of a well-functioning healthcare system for Canada’s overall economic performance. Investments in innovation and increased system flexibility can lead to positive outcomes, as a healthy population supports a healthy economy. Specific suggestions included:
- Implementing team-based care models to allow doctors to concentrate on their core expertise and improve patient access to care.
- Enabling doctors to practice across different provinces and territories to better address patient needs.
- Streamlining information sharing among doctors and with patients.
- Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and simplifying paperwork through technologies like AI.
- Respecting the rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples to make autonomous decisions regarding their healthcare.
- Accelerating the process for internationally trained doctors to become licensed in Canada.
- Supporting efforts to combat the spread of inaccurate health information that can harm Canadians.
Recent collaborative efforts among provincial, territorial, and federal governments demonstrate the feasibility of cooperation. Healthcare should be no different. Leaders should unite to implement a strategy that fundamentally improves the healthcare system. The medical community expects all candidates to commit to tangible healthcare solutions, with change beginning now and the CMA playing a leading role in advocating for Canadians.
About the CMA
The Canadian Medical Association spearheads a national movement involving physicians dedicated to a better future for health. Our vision includes a sustainable, accessible health system where patients are partners, a medical culture that prioritizes equity, diversity, and wellbeing, and supportive communities where everyone has the opportunity to be healthy. We drive change through advocacy, giving and knowledge sharing – guided by values of collaboration and inclusion.
SOURCE Canadian Medical Association