CPhA Statement on the 2015 Federal Budget
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) welcomes the health care investments announced in the 2015 federal budget, particularly in the areas of innovation, mental health and antimicrobial resistance. CPhA looks forward to working with the government and other health care stakeholders on these important health measures to develop innovative solutions to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the health care system and improve health outcomes for Canadians through optimal drug therapy.
The Government's proposed investment of $2 million per year to support additional research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important step towards addressing this significant health challenge. CPhA is committed to continuing its collaboration with government, other health care professionals and stakeholders on the AMR initiative to identify key issues and take concrete actions to enhance the health and safety of Canadians.
Two other areas important to the health of Canadians and the efficiency of our health care system that CPhA hopes the government will continue to show leadership on in the coming months are immunization awareness and electronic health records. CPhA is committed to working with the federal government and the health care provider community to increase public awareness and education on immunization to enhance public confidence and further improve immunization levels in Canada. There is also an ongoing opportunity for the federal government to work with the health care provider community to advance electronic health and medical records to facilitate e-prescribing and further enhance patient safety, quality of care and the efficacy of our health care system.
Key health investments unveiled in the 2015 federal budget:
- $14 million over two years to the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement for targeted innovation in health care systems
- Renewing the mandate of the Mental Health Commission of Canada for 10 years
- Funding for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to expand the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research
- $2 million per year for research on antimicrobial resistance
- $42 million over five years to help establish the Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation
- Extension of the Employment Insurance Compassionate Care leave from six weeks to six months for Canadians caring for gravely ill family members