Advocating for change
February 18, 2015
Ovarian Cancer Canada was among some 15 health charities assembled in Toronto to speak with Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.
This meeting represented the first in a new round of high-profile discussions with government leaders that are being arranged by the Health Charities Coalition of Canada, which advocates for sound public policy on health issues and promotes the highest quality health research.
A member of the Coalition for over 10 years, Ovarian Cancer Canada was represented by Elisabeth Baugh, CEO.
“Through our participation, we are furthering the agenda at the political level and pushing for changes to health research and policy issues,” said Elisabeth. “It’s only by bringing our challenges to the country’s policymakers that we will be able to affect the reform that Canadians deserve.”
During the meeting, delegates discussed urgent needs surrounding:
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Equal access to healthcare for all Canadians at the right time and for the right purpose, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay
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Increased investment in health research to achieve cures and move evidence into action to improve quality of care
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Expanded compassionate care benefits to ensure the real costs of caregiving do not restrict a person’s ability to provide care
Overall, Trudeau supported the need for change. He underlined that patient centre care is a priority and that the country must find a way to improve access and health outcomes. As part of this, Trudeau acknowledged that the healthcare model must accommodate the increased need for caregiving by enhancing support for caregivers while protecting economic productivity.
On the topic of research, he stressed that Canada needs to be seen as a viable contender for further investment, emphasizing the importance of clinical trials.
“We can’t have the Canada that we need unless we invest in health research,” said Trudeau.
Discussions with Canada’s leaders continue with the aim of establishing the Coalition as the government’s go-to for timely advice and leadership on major health issues and to ensure policymakers are aware of the contributions of health charities in improving the health and well-being of Canadians.
Originally slated for late October 2014, meetings with representatives from all of the main political parties had to be rescheduled due to the shooting on Parliament Hill. The Health Charities Coalition of Canada looks forward to meeting with the Federal Minister of Health and other MPs.
“Simultaneously, Ovarian Cancer Canada is working on government relations initiatives to bring our case for support to Parliament Hill,” says Elisabeth. “This is the year ovarian cancer gets onto the national agenda.”
Stay tuned for information on how to get involved.