In advance of the Throne Speech, there is always intense speculation on priority issues for government in Canada.

On May 12, the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) CEO Alex Munter and President Dr. Joss Reimer held a virtual town hall to make sure health care gets the attention it deserves.

“This is not something that can wait years,” said Dr. Reimer to an audience of nearly 200 physicians, patients and other health advocates. “In the upcoming 100 days of this new government, action needs to take place in health and health care to meet the needs of Canadians.”

We’re starting from an optimal position. Many of the CMA’s health care solutions were part of the Liberal Party of Canada’s campaign promises: commitments to training more doctors, removing barriers to practice in and across Canada, connected care legislation and supporting Indigenous-led health solutions.

“We know that health care ranks slightly behind tariffs and affordability as the top concerns for Canadians, and we know that two-thirds of people wanted health care in the national leaders’ debate, though it was not there,” said Munter.

Guest speaker Scott Reid, former senior advisor to prime minister Paul Martin and founder of communications firm Feschuk.Reid, said that despite the economic challenges facing Prime Minister Mark Carney, he believes health care will be a priority for this government.

“He’s going to provoke an election in the next 12-18 months or it’ll get triggered upon him, and I think he’s going to want to maintain his claim over the health care brand.”

Reid said the CMA and the medical community can have a real impact on policymakers in the days ahead.

“If there’s a question in people’s minds about how relevant health is to the agenda of this new government and this new prime minister, my answer is it’s as relevant as it wishes to be, because this issue can rocket up the list of priorities.”

Dr. Reimer echoed that sentiment, adding that the CMA will continue to work diligently with the new government and all MPs to drive change.

The CMA will be calling on the government to see through legislation to improve Indigenous health care, such as a Clean Water Act, and a bill on data interoperability, both of which were introduced prior to the election. We will also be actively tracking health promises made by the Liberal party during their campaign and holding them accountable for action.

“We have already started reaching out to both new and returning MPs,” said Dr. Reimer, “reminding them of the commitments they made and talking about what needs to happen next.”