With just a few weeks until we table our final report, I would like to inform you of two important events that have helped the National Expert Commission shape its thinking about health-care transformation.
The first was a three-day meeting this February in Ottawa. It was a chance for the commissioners to talk through their findings and draft recommendations for their final report, set to be released June 18 at CNA’s convention in Vancouver. The commissioners affirmed their belief that while there are many examples of excellent health care in Canada, our system is aging and focused too narrowly on expensive acute and illness care. Also, transforming health and health care is about all Canadians, not just nurses, doctors, hospitals or governments. Everyone needs to be empowered with knowledge and tools to help them contribute to their own health and wellness. These issues are key to supporting healthy Canadians living in vibrant communities. The Commission’s report will recommend courageous solutions that are evidence-based, realistic and build on transformative efforts already underway.
The second event was a national roundtable in March at Rideau Hall. Sharon Johnston, the spouse of the Governor General, hosted the event in partnership with the National Expert Commission and CNA. The dialogue focused on improving the health and healing of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, families and communities. The event brought together members and leaders from aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities and experts in the fields of nursing, medicine, midwifery, health policy, health-care administration, science and government. We enjoyed an exciting day packed with thoughtful discussion and a focus on how to put solutions into action.
For more information: http://expertcommission.cna-aiic.ca.
Michael J. Villeneuve, RN, M.Sc.
Executive Lead, National Expert Commission
commission@cna-aiic.ca