[Sharon]

Who is your CEO, Chief Nurse Executive/Senior Nurse Leader/Director of Care, MPP and MPs – and post their names on the discussion board.

 

[Marion Catherine]

Question:
Who is your CEO, Chief Nurse Executive/Senior Nurse Leader/Director of Care, MPP and MPs – and post their names on the discussion board.
Answer:
Executive Director: Jennifer Brierley
Director of Wellness: Katrina Galariana.
MPP John Fraser
MP David J. McGinty

[Jamie]

Questions to start the discussion:

1: Do you think increased funding alone can solve Canada’s health care challenges?
2: Which recommendation from the report remains most relevant to Canada’s health care system today?
3: How important is accountability when governments invest public money in health care reform?

1: Increasing funding alone will not solve Canada’s health care challenges. While adequate funding is essential, it must be accompanied by strong planning, oversight, and accountability. One approach would be to establish an independent committee that includes both government representatives and frontline health care professionals, such as physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other members of the health care workforce. Including those who work directly within the system would help ensure that funding decisions are based on the realities of patient care and the needs of communities.

One reason previous funding initiatives have not achieved lasting results is that resources have often been directed toward short-term solutions rather than long-term system improvements. In some cases, funding has also been used inefficiently, with limited oversight to ensure it is achieving its intended purpose. An independent committee could monitor spending, evaluate outcomes, and promote greater transparency and accountability. This would help ensure that investments support sustainable improvements, such as reducing wait times, expanding access to care, and strengthening the overall health care system, rather than providing only temporary relief.

2: Several of the issues identified in the Health Council of Canada (2008) report remain significant challenges today, including prescription drug costs, long wait times, Indigenous health inequities, and access to health care services. Despite years of additional funding and reform efforts, there are still major gaps in these areas.

To make meaningful improvements, Canada should also look internationally at health care systems that have demonstrated success. For example, countries such as the United Kingdom and Denmark have implemented approaches that have improved access to care, strengthened primary care services, and better coordinated patient care. While no health care system can be copied exactly because each country has its own population, policies, and funding structure, Canada can learn from proven strategies and adapt them to meet Canadian needs.

3: Accountability is essential to ensuring that health care funding is used effectively. It provides a way to monitor how public funds are spent and helps ensure that the money is directed toward the priorities for which it was allocated. Without clear accountability measures, it is difficult to determine whether investments are producing meaningful improvements in the health care system.

Holding provinces and territories accountable for their spending is critical to achieving the goals outlined in the Health Council of Canada (2008) report. This includes demonstrating measurable progress in reducing wait times, improving access to prescription medications, and addressing health inequities experienced by Indigenous communities. Regular reporting, performance indicators, and transparent evaluation of outcomes can help ensure that funding translates into real improvements for Canadians rather than simply increasing health care expenditures without measurable results.

[Alhasan]

I agree that increased funding alone is not enough to address Canada’s health care challenges. Sustainable improvements require accountability, strategic planning, and input from frontline health care professionals who understand the realities of patient care. I also agree that many of the issues identified, particularly wait times, access to primary care, and health inequities, remain relevant today. Without clear performance measures and transparent reporting, it is difficult to know whether additional investments are truly improving outcomes for Canadians.

[Jessica]

Hi Jamie, I enjoyed your insights. I agree, I think we could learn a lot from other countries and find ways to improve our healthcare system and manage funding more appropriately.

Unfortunately, organizations are often forced to cut spending in areas that are essential to maintaining safe, high-quality care, even when those cuts may create bigger challenges in the future. Cuts are often made in areas that are viewed as supportive, such as infection prevention, education, quality improvement, environmental services, and staff development. Yet these are the programs that help prevent adverse events, reduce costs over time, and improve patient outcomes. When resources are reduced in those areas, the consequences may not be immediately visible, but they can emerge later as higher infection rates, longer lengths of stay, increased staff burnout, and greater system inefficiencies. Overall, this leads to the healthcare system suffering even more.

[Heather]

I am in agreement with more accountability in almost all areas of health care. I see inequities from
time to time, and areas that are receiving a lot of money. I think that accountability has to be measured
in relation to many things, I do not feel that just simply reducing costs in one area such as staffing
is a responsible way to reduce costs, or cutting back on services to the extent that wait times
are putting health at risk should be acceptable.

[Samantha]

Hi,

I agree with alot of your post! Funding alone will not solve the health care issues that we face as health care providers or as patients. I think a lot of the public has a misconception that money=fix. I agree funding is an essential PART of producing the change we all want to see. I would love to see more front line workers involved in the oversight and review of funding and the overall review on what needs to change vs what is working.

[Jessica]

CEO: Bonnie Camm
Chief Nurse Executive: Stuart Paavola
IPAC Director : Lee Ann Cooke
MPP: Will Bouma
MP: Larry Brock

[Jessica]

1. How has Canada’s health care system defined health? How is this definition changing (if at all)? Why is this important in your area of practice?

Traditionally, Canada’s health care system is focused primarily on the diagnosis and treatment of illness. Today, the definition of health has expanded to include health promotion, disease prevention, and the social determinants of health, recognizing that certain factors have a significant impact on health outcomes (income, education, housing, nutrition, etc.).

The Rekindling Reform report emphasizes that people have greater influence on their health through healthy lifestyles and supportive environments. It suggests that governments should invest more in prevention and public health rather than focusing solely on treating preventable illness. However, the report concludes that public spending on prevention still represents only a small fraction of overall health spending, indicating that Canada’s health system continues to prioritize treatment over prevention.

This evolving definition of health is particularly important in Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC). IPAC is fundamentally prevention-focused, aiming to stop infections before they occur rather than simply treating them after they develop. My role includes surveillance, outbreak management, immunization promotion, hand hygiene initiatives, environmental cleaning, and education of health care workers. These activities align closely with the report’s emphasis on prevention, population health, and protecting communities before illness occurs. The COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrated the importance of investing in strong public health systems and infection prevention programs to improve patient safety and reduce health care costs.

2. How are responsibilities for health divided? What role does the federal government play? The provincial government? The municipal government?

Canada’s health care system is a shared responsibility among the various governments.
Examples of each system in my nursing specialty:
Federal: Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), IPAC Canada, Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP), Health Canada
Provincial: Hospitals, LTC/Retirement homes, Home Care, Public Health Ontario (PHO)
Municipal: Local health unit

In my role as an Infection Prevention and Control professional, all three levels of government influence my practice. Federal agencies develop national infection prevention guidance and surveillance systems, the Ontario Ministry of Health establishes legislation and provincial standards, and local public health units collaborate with hospitals during reportable diseases, outbreaks, and infection investigations. Effective infection prevention depends on coordination between all levels of government.

[Mary Ann]

I agree with your post. You explained well how IPAC focuses on preventing illness instead of just treating it. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how important infection prevention, education, and public health programs are for protecting patients, health care workers, and the community.

[Alhasan]

Gina St. Amour, Executive Director, The Ottawa Rotary Home

Lauri Cox, RN, Director of Operations and Health Management, The Ottawa Rotary Home

George Darouze, MPP for Carleton

David J. McGuinty, MP for Ottawa South

[Jamie]

Jessica,

I agree with you treating more than just the illness is important. This is the focus the government should be addressing. Prevention is a huge part the seems to be ignored.

Understanding the different levels of government and what their roles in funding is important. With this knowledge you know which level to take your concerns to and who can help.

[Sara]

I really like that you mentioned Covid-19 and the true importance of prevention. I learned, especially still being in school and working throughout that it requires a team approach involving vaccinations, masks and the sharing of true and accurate information.

[Alhasan]

1. How has Canada’s health care system defined health? How is this definition changing (if at all)? Why is this important in your area of practice?

Historically, Canada’s health care system defined health as the treatment of illness, with a strong focus on hospitals, physicians, and acute care. Today, this definition has expanded to include physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, with greater emphasis on prevention, health promotion, community-based care, and patient-centred services. The Rekindling Reform report also highlights the importance of integrated, equitable, and population-focused care. In my role at The Ottawa Rotary Home, this broader view of health is essential because the individuals we support have complex medical and developmental needs. Our focus extends beyond treating medical conditions to promoting independence, quality of life, inclusion, and overall well-being through both clinical care and staff education.

2. How are the responsibilities for health divided? What role does the federal government play? The provincial government? The municipal government?

Health care in Canada is a shared responsibility among the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The federal government provides funding to provinces through the Canada Health Transfer, establishes national standards under the Canada Health Act, regulates medications and medical devices, and delivers health services to specific populations such as First Nations, Inuit, veterans, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Ontario government has primary responsibility for delivering health care by funding hospitals, physician services, long-term care, home and community care, and developmental services, while also regulating health professionals and organizations. Municipal governments support local public health through programs such as immunizations, health promotion, inspections, and emergency preparedness. Understanding these roles is important in my practice because our organization works closely with all levels of government to provide coordinated, high-quality care for individuals with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs.

[Jamie]

CEO: David Musyj
Manager: Tessa Andersion
MPP: Rob Flack
MP: Liane Rood

[Samantha]

CEO: Private home care- No CEO or DOC
Senior Nursing Leader Amy Szewczuk
(MP)MP: Chris Lewis (Conservative Party of Canada)
(MPP)MPP: Anthony Leardi (Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario

[Mary Ann]

Corporate CEO (Sienna Senior Living): Nitin Jain
On-site Executive Director (Midland Gardens): Gethro Dorval
Director of Care: Jisha Daniels
MPP: David Smith (Scarborough Centre)
MP: Shaun Chen (Scarborough North)

[Mary Ann]

1. How has Canada’s health care system defined health?
Canada’s health care system defined health as the absence of disease. Today, it takes a holistic approach, recognizing that health includes physical, mental, and social well-being, in line with the World Health Organization’s definition.

How is this definition changing?
Overtime, the definition of health includes mental well-being, cultural safety, health equity, and the social determinants of health. Health care has shifted from mainly treating illness to supporting wellness, preventing disease, and offering person-centred care.

Why is this important in your area of practice?
This is important in area of nursing practice because health is view as more than being free from illness. This perspective enables nurses to provide holistic, patient-centred care by addressing patients’ physical, emotional, social, and cultural needs, to help improve better health outcomes and minimize fewer health inequities.

2. How are responsibilities for health divided in Canada?
Health care responsibilities in Canada are shared among the federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal governments. The federal government sets national standards through the Canada Health Act, provides funding, regulates public health and health products, and delivers health services to specific populations. Provincial and territorial governments are primarily responsible for administering and delivering health care services, including hospitals, physician services, and public health programs. Municipal governments support community health through public health initiatives, sanitation, emergency preparedness, recreation, and local social services.

[Heather]

Week 2 – Discussion – Advanced Leadership

How has Canada’s health care system defined leadership and how is this definition changing? Why is this important to you in your area of practice?

Canada’s health care system has previously defined health as the absence of disease. This definition is changing in that health is defined the state physical, mental and social health even in the presence of disease. One can have poor health with the absence of disease at at some point in life.
This affect my area of practice, which is community care because this definition determines what areas of health are going to be prioritized and to what extent. Ontario Health at Home determines who receives home care and how much care they will receive. This directly affects the quality of care that can be provided and how much nursing care can be provided to patients.

How are responsibilities of Federal, Provincial and Muncipal government divided?
In regards to funding, the federal government makes transfer payments to the provinces based on goals achieved and what is important at the time. Provinces set goals according to this funding.
Federal government is responsible for military funding and indigenous health funding. The public health agency is also part of the federal government. The provincial government is responsible for hospitals, community health teams, diagnostic clinics and funding of some rehabilitation such as physiotherapy and community care.
Municpal government provide funding for emergency services, recreation and to some degree health and social services.
Federal MP: Bardish Chagger
Provincial MPP: Catherine Fife
Chief Nursing Officer of my employer: Maureen Charlebois

[Samantha]

How has Canada’s health care system defined leadership and how is this definition changing? Why is this important to you in your area of practice?

Canada’s healthcare system was defined by treating acute and chronic conditions/illnesses. I believe now that we are trying to take a proactive approach to a clients overall health and wellbeing physically, mentally and emotionally. That being said our healthcare system ,especially the hospitals and long-term care homes are currently struggling to keep up the demand and provide low wait times and high level of care.

Why is this important to my area of practice?

I am a Nurse case manager for a private home care company which provides PSW care in the clients home ( homes, rehab,retirement) Clients are trying to stay home and age in place a lot more than in the past. My area of practice it to be able to sustain clients by providing as much care in the home at high levels before having them to shift to a community care or hospice.

How are responsibilities of Federal, Provincial and Municipal government divided?

Funding is done federally. The funding is then given to each province and they need to decide what the funds will be spent on such as hospitals, home care, diagnostic imaging. Municipal would be emergency services and community funding.

[Sara]

CEO, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN): Ron Gagnon
Chief Nursing Executive (Senior Nurse Leader), WRHN: Elizabeth (Liz) Ferguson
MPP (Kitchener Centre): Aislinn Clancy
MP (Kitchener Centre): Kelly DeRidder

[Sara]

1: Do you think increased funding alone can solve Canada’s health care challenges?
No, I do not believe increased funding alone will fix the issues of Canada’s healthcare system.
I would say, however, funding is arguably the biggest issue in healthcare. Money brings in more staff, better equipment, and healthcare that doesn’t cut corners in the form of layoffs and rationing that put a larger strain on everyone in Canada. An issue that money cannot solve alone is retention. There are so many amazing healthcare workers who left bedside altogether due to continued abuse and avoidable injuries that occur due to short staffing.

2: Which recommendation from the report remains most relevant to Canada’s health care system today?
I would say that adequate access to health remains the most relevant. There is a nationwide physician shortage and a growing population. Most people do not have access to any type of primary healthcare provider and resort to the emergency department for minor issues. Even those with PHCP are still seen in ER because they cannot get an appointment and will be banned from the practice if they attend a walk in clinic. This causes frustration and long wait times, costing everyone more time and money.

3: How important is accountability when governments invest public money in health care reform?
Accountability is huge when it comes to public funds being invested. Everyone in Canada pays a large amount in taxes every single paycheque. This money needs to be spent responsibly and saved whenever possible.

[Maame]

Who is your CEO, Chief Nurse Executive/Senior Nurse Leader/Director of Care, MPP and MPs – and

City of Toronto- Wesburn Manor (Senior Services and Long- term care)
General Manager: Nicole Welch
Administrator : Jahmeila Allen
Director, Long -Term Care Homes – Donna Lee
Director of Care : Noreen Grange (Acting)
MP: Yvan Baker

[Author]

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