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Health Accord. Background. The 2004 Accord set out an extra $41.2-billion over 10 years in dedicated funding for health care issues such as reducing wait times, training medical professionals, expanding home care and creating a national pharmaceutical strategy.
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Background • The 2004 Accord set out an extra $41.2-billion over 10 years in dedicated funding for health care issues such as reducing wait times, training medical professionals, expanding home care and creating a national pharmaceutical strategy. • The Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology is currently examining the progress in implementing the 2004 Accord. • The current federal-provincial funding deal expires in 2014, and the government is looking at the design of a future accord.
Speculation about what will happen next… • The Harper government has promised to continue the 6-per-cent annual escalations for two years beyond its expiry date in 2014. • Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq stated that the Government expects to negotiate just one agreement, rather than separate pacts, and that ‘strings’ would be attached to demonstrate “accountability and results.” • Others believe that instead of a long-term deal with all 13 provinces and territories, it could be a short extension of the current deal – followed by a fundamental revamping of federal transfers.
There will be 9 Provincial Elections before 2014 Political parties are establishing their positions on the future of health care in their province, and the election outcome will help determine the future of the Accord.
The Accord negotiations present an opportunity for stakeholders to work together to raise awareness about the need to improve mental health/mental illness services across Canada.
Discussion Questions: • What can the Federal and Provincial Governments do to strengthen mental health and mental illness services, policies and programs in Canada? • What is your association planning to do with regards to the Health Accord negotiations? • What specific “asks” do you intend to make of the government?
