Counsel for the Council

The Council of the Federation was created in 2003 to help promote cooperation and closer ties among provinces and territories.  While the Council tackles a range of issues, it has focused considerable attention in recent years on health care.

Subsequent to its meeting in July 2011, the Council issued a statement on Health Sustainability.  Nearly a decade ago, Premiers published an accord that preceded the 10-year Canada Health Transfer agreement with the federal government.  Like the current Council of the Federation communiqué, the 2003 First Ministers’ Accord on Health Care Renewal identified primary care reform and catastrophic drug coverage as major concerns.  But another area that figured prominently at the time – home care – has not appeared (at least explicitly) on the Council of the Federation’s statements.

There can be no fundamental reform of health care in the absence of improved supports for long-term care, home care and informal caregivers.  Community care should figure prominently when the Premiers resume their conversations at their upcoming meeting in Victoria on January 16 and 17, 2012.

ISBN – 1-55382-552-7