During the upcoming fall advocacy season, the CAR will be meeting with MPs, Senators, and senior decision makers as part of our ongoing efforts to advance our priorities on behalf of our members and the broader Canadian radiology community.
In our 2026 Pre-Budget Submission, the CAR has outlined several key priorities.
Investing in People: Building a Resilient Radiology Workforce
The CAR recommends that the Federal Government allocate $5 million over 5 years through Health Canada to recruit and retain radiologists, MRTs, and sonographers.
This investment will support the recruitment and retention of radiologists, medical radiation technologists (MRTs), and sonographers to reduce diagnostic backlogs, address critical vacancy rates, and build sustainable, high-quality careers in healthcare. By investing in this workforce, Canada can enhance system productivity, improve patient outcomes, and bolster economic resilience. Given that healthcare now accounts for a tenth of Canada’s GDP, investment in the sector is not only a health imperative, but also a smart economic strategy that supports long-term national growth.
From Uncertainty to Trust: Investment in HAIVN to Safely Scale AI in Canadian Healthcare
The CAR recommends that the Federal Government make a $50 million investment over 5 years to support HAIVN as an independent, clinician-led validation body.
Why HAIVN, Why Now?
Canada is falling behind in the global race to deploy safe, effective AI in healthcare. Fragmented provincial regulations, lack of post-market oversight, and clinician mistrust are stalling innovation and delaying life-saving tools.
HAIVN offers a solution:
- Clinician-led validation in real-world settings
- Continuous monitoring to prevent performance drift and bias
- National standards that reduce duplication and accelerate adoption
- Independent governance free from vendor influence
Smarter Scans, Better Care: Embedding CDS in EMRs
The CAR recommends that the Federal Government support the national integration of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) systems into electronic medical records (EMRs) with a $50 million investment over 5 years to ensure patients receive the right test at the right time and support evidence-based care.
Canada faces rising imaging demand and persistent wait times. CDS systems embed evidence-based referral guidelines directly into EMRs, helping clinicians order the most appropriate test based on clinical need.
- Improves triage and wait time management
- Promotes equity and evidence-based care
- Enhances system efficiency and productivity
- Aligns with federal goals on AI, digital infrastructure, and healthcare modernization.
Infrastructure for Impact: Renewing Canada’s Diagnostic Capacity
The CAR recommends that the Federal Government guide an independent $2 billion investment over 3 years to replace aging MRI, CT, and ultrasound equipment, with a focus on underserved communities and streamlined procurement. Radiology is foundational to diagnosis and treatment. But Canada’s imaging infrastructure is aging:
- 2% of MRI unitsand 33.4% of CT units are over 10 years old.
- Older machines are slower, less accurate, and more prone to breakdowns.
- Wait times are rising, especially in smaller institutions and rural areas.
Stay tuned for more information as we approach our Day on the Hill from October 20-21. Read more about the CAR’s priorities in the 2026 Pre-Budget submission.