In this edition, you will see how Canada's healthcare practices were thrust into the international spotlight. The nation continues to grapple with challenges ranging from the treatment of foreign workers in the country to the future of long-term care.
A United Nations report has sharply criticized Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program, highlighting significant healthcare access barriers and describing conditions similar to modern "slavery”.
UN Special Rapporteur Tomoya Obokata emphasized that temporary foreign workers in Canada face significant obstacles in accessing healthcare, citing inadequate coverage and the risk of employer retaliation. In a related development, The Globe and Mail reported on a new initiative aimed at improving communication and providing retired physicians with volunteer opportunities. The Health English Language Pro (HELP) program, set to launch in September, will connect Canadian doctors with foreign-trained health professionals to assist them in learning medical English and integrating into the Canadian health system.
On the domestic front, the Canadian Oral Health Survey revealed that approximately 72% of Canadians aged 12 and older visited an oral health professional between November 2023 and March 2024, a rebound from 65% in 2022 but slightly below the 75% reported in 2018. The survey, Canada's first national oral health assessment, also highlighted disparities in dental insurance coverage, with significant differences in access to care based on age, insurance status, and regional location.
In response to ongoing healthcare challenges, the federal government has announced a $3.2 million investment from the Intersectoral Action Fund (ISAF) to support 16 new community projects across Canada aimed at improving health equity and addressing social determinants of health.
The Canadian Centre for Housing Rights received $248,950 to tackle homelessness risk for people leaving healthcare facilities, and the Canadian Mental Health Association got $195,148 to enhance harm reduction and anti-racism in Toronto's supportive housing. Additional projects include a bilingual rights data repository for older adults in Fredericton and a coalition against conversion therapy in Burnaby.
Looking towards the future of healthcare policy, Health Canada has released a comprehensive report summarizing feedback from public consultations on the proposed Safe Long-Term Care Act, which aims to enhance access to quality, safe, and equitable long-term care in Canada. The report reflected the perspectives of over 5,000 participants, emphasizing the preference for aging at home with necessary supports and highlighting priorities such as diversity, workforce support, and increased transparency in long-term care.
The interplay between international scrutiny, national initiatives, and evolving public health needs underscores the importance of staying informed and prepared for rapid changes in the healthcare landscape.
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