Meeting of Atlantic ministers of health

13 January 2016

SHEDIAC (GNB) – The ministers of health from the Atlantic province’s met via teleconference today to prepare for the meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers of health in Vancouver next week.

“Connecting with my Atlantic counterparts was a great opportunity to discuss the challenges our provinces face and ways we can work together to ensure the long-term sustainability of our health-care system,” said Health Minister Victor Boudreau. “We had a good discussion about a new Health Accord and we are encouraged that the federal government has committed to engage the provinces and territories in the development of a new multi-year, intergovernmental agreement on health.”

The meeting agenda also included discussions on:

• pharmaceuticals;
• innovation and information technology;
• community care including home care, palliative care and mental health and;
• aboriginal health issues.

“As a province with an aging population, and high rates of chronic disease, we are looking for new ways to help support better health for our residents,” said Nova Scotia Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. “We want to work in partnership with Ottawa, and other provinces and territories, to find ways we can offer better care that is both effective and affordable.”

“I am very pleased with the discussions we had today,” said Prince Edward Island Health and Wellness Minister Robert Henderson. “There is significant work currently underway in Atlantic Canada to ensure our health system is comprehensive, timely, and responsive to the needs of our residents. We collectively look forward to the discussions next week with our federal partners.”

“There are pressures that continually challenge the Atlantic region’s ability to ensure the long-term sustainability of the health care system,” said Newfoundland and Labrador Health Minister Dr. John Haggie. “Examples include the needs of rural communities, an aging population, chronic disease, new technologies and higher drug costs. I am encouraged that the federal government has committed to engage with the provinces and territories. It is imperative that federal investments recognize the particularly acute needs and cost pressures of the Atlantic region. They need to be flexible to allow each province to address these challenges most effectively.”

The conference of federal, provincial and territorial ministers of health takes place in Vancouver on Jan. 20 and 21.

NT5