Ontario – Health Ministers continue to be seized with the impact of the ongoing overdose crisis as a serious public health concern, and the challenges related to mental health and addiction being faced by Canadians. While it is encouraging to see some signs of decreased rates of opioid and stimulant-related harms, the scale of these harms remains significant. Ministers discussed promising practices for mental health and substance use, and identified areas where further collaboration could enhance ongoing efforts to improve services and supports in a continuum of care, including for treatment and recovery. Ministers also discussed the need to continue to improve data collection and continually measure the results of actions in keeping with the evolving evidence of what works and in what context.
Public Health Priorities
Lessons learned from COVID-19 have highlighted the need to revitalize pandemic preparedness planning for all jurisdictions. Ministers provided support for governments and Indigenous partners to work together, with respect for each governments’ jurisdiction over public health, on an approach and plan to advance pandemic preparedness, including Canada’s Pandemic Preparedness Plan.
Pharmaceuticals Management
Ministers discussed the federal government’s intent to develop the National Universal Pharmacare program and the continued implementation of the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases and negotiations on agreements with provinces and territories. While this is an important first step to improve health equity, Ministers highlighted the need for these initiatives to enhance rather than duplicate the existing programs of provinces and territories, maintain flexibility to customize these programs, and meet the needs of their residents to improve health equity, affordability and health outcomes. PT Ministers agreed those negotiations should consider the distinct situation, programs and priorities of each province and territory.
Conclusion
Public, accessible, and effective health systems are one of the defining achievements of Canada. Ministers will continue working together to uphold the Canada Health Act and assure Canadians that their health and well-being will always remain a priority for all orders of government.
*Québec participated in the meeting as an observer and is not party to this communiqué as it remains fully committed to exercising its own responsibilities within its exclusive jurisdiction over health care and has not adhered to the pan-Canadian strategies concerning human resources, data and virtual care, mental health and public health nor does it recognize the authority of the Canada Health Act over it’s health system. Québec intends to retain its full autonomy with regard to planning, organization, and management of its health system, including drug insurance. However, Québec remains open to sharing information and best practices with other governments in these areas.
**Ontario is not a party to this communiqué as it is in an election period.