OTTAWA, June 3 2009 – Today, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) released a policy statement setting out a number of recommendations for achieving a renewed and sustainable public health care system.
“Canada’s current health care system is not sustainable at the current rate of spending. Governments need to recognize this and take positive steps to put our public health care system on a solid footing that will assure quality service to Canadians,” says CLHIA’s President, Frank Swedlove.
“Canadians must participate with their governments in a meaningful debate on how best to achieve this,” he added.
The policy document, CLHIA Report on Health Care Policy: Towards A Sustainable, Accessible, Quality Public Health Care System, puts forward a number of recommendations that would increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of Canada’s public health care system and improve overall care for Canadians. This includes governments taking an approach focused on the individual receiving care, investing more in wellness and disease prevention, and assisting Canadians in managing their needs for continuing care.
It also recommends that no Canadian should take on undue financial hardship as a result of prescription drug costs. The policy document also recommends that governments should seek to build on the many successful public-private partnerships that have existed for many years such as diagnostic centres, specialized surgery clinics and ambulance services.
About CLHIA
Established in 1894, the CLHIA is a voluntary association whose member companies account for 99 per cent of Canada’s life and health insurance business. The industry provides a wide range of financial security products such as life insurance, annuities (including RRSPs, RRIFs and pensions) and supplementary health insurance to about 26 million Canadians. www.clhia.ca.
