Abstract

This paper sets forth a set of necessary actions by federal, provincial and territorial governments that are required in order to preserve and enhance Canada's healthcare services. They are offered in support of the Report of the Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada (the Romanow report) and the Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (the Kirby report). The actions are listed under three themes:
  1. Creation of cooperative and collaborative provincial/federal relations.
  2. Enhancement of accountability and transparency.
  3. Management of access to diagnostic and treatment procedures.

The actions focus on creating an accountable, transparent system of intergovernmental collaboration and cooperation. The creation of a national Health Quality Council is endorsed. Concrete suggestions for the fact-based management of access to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are also included.