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- Access to Services – Measures to reduce wait times for surgeries, diagnostic testing, and specialist consultations were proposed. Officials emphasized telemedicine and mobile health services as practical solutions for rural and remote communities.
- Mental Health Support – Expanding mental health programs, including counseling, crisis intervention, and community support networks, was identified as a priority. Leaders noted that mental health is an integral component of overall well-being and economic productivity.
- Healthcare Workforce – Strategies to attract, train, and retain medical professionals were discussed. Incentives for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals in underserved regions are expected to improve service distribution and quality.
- Funding Models – Discussions included evaluating the effectiveness of current federal transfers to provinces and exploring alternative models to ensure equitable resource allocation. Fiscal responsibility and efficiency remain central to policy proposals.
- Innovation and Technology – The use of digital health platforms, electronic medical records, and AI-assisted diagnostics was highlighted as a means to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve patient outcomes. Leaders emphasized that technology must be paired with adequate training and safeguards.
Policy experts participating in the session indicated that collaboration across political lines is critical. Lessons from other countries’ healthcare systems were discussed, including examples from Scandinavia, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The consensus was that Canada can benefit from proven strategies while tailoring solutions to local contexts.
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Provincial representatives stressed that federal support must be flexible to accommodate regional differences. Factors such as population density, geographic challenges
