As Canada enters a period of significant political transition, healthcare initiatives hang in the balance. From stalled legislation to persistent access challenges, the healthcare landscape faces both immediate uncertainties and long-term questions as leadership changes loom on the horizon.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Liberal leader and Prime Minister on January 6, 2025, securing approval from Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24. Trudeau expressed pride in his government's achievements, especially in poverty reduction and climate change, while regretting the failure to reform Canada’s voting system and calling for a clear and competitive leadership race within the Liberal Party. He also criticized Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's divisive approach and his stance on climate change.
Trudeau stated that internal party struggles made it clear he could no longer lead the Liberals into the next election, calling the party a vital institution and reaffirming his commitment to continue working for Canadians until the transition.
Trudeau’s move expectedly gathered various reactions. Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Trudeau's resignation, arguing that Liberal MPs and leadership contenders who supported Trudeau’s policies are still responsible for the country’s challenges. Poilievre highlighted issues such as the carbon tax, inflation, rising housing costs, crime, and the migrant crisis, claiming the Liberals are attempting to protect their interests ahead of the election rather than addressing these issues.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh condemned Trudeau's resignation, stating that the Liberals failed Canadians on key issues like housing and healthcare, and argued that the party doesn't deserve another chance regardless of the new leader. He also warned against the Conservatives' proposed cuts to social services and called for a united movement to fight for a government focused on the needs of working people.
This development has immediate implications for healthcare legislation, with Bill C-72, concerning health information technology and prohibiting data blocking by health information technology vendors, among the affected bills.
Despite the political transition, urgent matters demand attention. Trudeau will meet with Canada's premiers in Ottawa on January 15, 2025, to discuss U.S. economic threats, including potential tariffs. The Liberal Party is divided on the speed of choosing a new leader after Trudeau's announcement to step down, with potential candidates including Mélanie Joly, Chrystia Freeland, and Dominic LeBlanc. Mark Carney and Christy Clark are also being speculated, while Frank Baylis has already declared his intention to run for the leadership.
The party is also undecided on whether sitting cabinet ministers must resign to run in the leadership race, with several ministers considering a bid for the top job. Former Conservative MP Lisa Raitt argued that cabinet ministers should step down to avoid conflicts of interest, while former Liberal MP Frank Baylis believes it should be up to each minister to decide if they can manage both roles.
Meanwhile, the Canadian healthcare system continues to grapple with significant challenges. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reports that wait times for elective procedures like cataract surgeries, and hip and knee replacements remain above pre-pandemic levels across Canada despite advancements in medical technology and increased funding. While provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba show improvements in cataract surgery timelines, Newfoundland and Quebec struggle with timely hip and knee replacements.
Approximately six million Canadians still lack access to a family doctor, leading to overpopulated emergency rooms, while the Canadian Nurses Association reports a nationwide shortage of 60,000 nurses. Some bright spots emerge, with Manitoba's Lean Program and Prince Edward Island reducing patient wait days by two days, and Ottawa recording a year without urinary tract infection cases.
Amid these challenges, former Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins has urged Health Minister Mark Holland to quickly finalize agreements with provinces and territories to cover the cost of medications for diabetes and contraceptives. Following the passage of Bill C-64 in October, these agreements represent a critical first step toward implementing national pharmacare. Hoskins emphasizes the urgency of action, noting that many Canadians continue to struggle with medication affordability.
In Delphic Research, we can help you understand how these political transitions and healthcare developments might impact your organization's planning and strategy by using our Executive Daily Briefing.
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