2017 Pre-Budget Submission
On August 4, the CAR submitted its brief to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance as part of its pre-budget consultation process. The report is intended to inform and influence the federal government as it prepares its budget and considers its spending priorities.
Read the CAR's 2017 Pre-Budget Submission
The Committee asked which federal measures will help individuals and businesses become more productive and competitive. Investment in the healthcare system is a key component of increasing productivity. Maintaining a healthy labour force necessitates a resilient healthcare system that meets the needs of Canadians, which makes healthcare an essential component of lasting economic growth.
The CAR recommends:
1. Investing $612 million, over five years, to ensure that available imaging equipment meets the quality standards that patients deserve.
2. Investing $9 million, over three years, to fund projects demonstrating clinical decision support tools for diagnostic imaging to enhance the delivery of patient care in a measurable way.
3. Investing $10.5 million over three years to guide thoughtful implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in medicine and healthcare.
4. Heeding the expertise of physicians as part of the consultation process on tax planning for CCPCs to reduce possible disruption to the comprehensive delivery of health services.
The Pre-Budget Submission is an example of the advocacy and government relations work that the CAR is conducting on behalf of our members.
Interested in meeting your MP?
The CAR will be offering support and materials for members who would like to contact their local Member of Parliament to increase awareness of these and other issues. For more information, please contact Casey Hurrell, Manager of Health Policy at churrell@car.caor 613-860-3111 ext. 205.