Resilient Healthcare Coalition Issues Joint Mandate Letter to Promote Canada's Health and Economic Prosperity

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the Resilient Healthcare Coalition (RHC) released a proposed Joint Mandate Letter ("Letter") addressed to newly appointed Health Minister Marjory Michel and Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly.

Looking to catalyze a vital cross-government policy conversation at the dawn of a new mandate for the Government of Canada, the Letter lays out 10 policy priorities that require the collaboration of the two ministries for successful implementation.

Signed by more than 35 health system leaders from patient groups, industry and the broader research and innovation community, the Letter is anchored around three broader policy objectives instrumental to improving the health and wealth of Canadians:

1. Strengthen Canada’s Position as a World Leader in Life Sciences Research and Commercialization
2. Accelerate and Expand Access to Innovative Therapies, Diagnostics and Vaccines
3. Optimize the Impact and Interoperability of Health Data Across Canada

“As a new cabinet begins to identify its top priorities, the Government of Canada has a critical opportunity to work with a broad range of stakeholders to tear down the barriers impeding better pan-Canadian collaboration. We hope this Joint Mandate Letter serves as both an inspiration and a catalyst as the Ministers of Industry and Health identify the critical steps required to increase the health and wealth of all Canadians.” – Dr. Jason Field, President & CEO, Life Sciences Ontario & Co-Chair, RHC.

From investing in the research required to keep Canada at the forefront of global science, to implementing a comprehensive rare disease strategy, to finalizing province-by-province agreements to unlock the power of health data, the new federal government has an enormous opportunity to break down the barriers preventing better pan-Canadian collaboration. However, accomplishing that ambitious goal will require support from across the country.

“Drawing its leadership from patient groups, industry and the broader research and innovation community, the Resilient Health Coalition is ideally positioned to offer policy solutions to the new Ministers of Health and Industry that will strengthen healthcare systems across Canada and our world-leading life sciences sector." – Eva Villalba, Executive Director, Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec & Co-Chair, RHC.

The RHC brings together a diverse group of health system leaders across the public, private, and non-profit sectors committed to helping Canadian healthcare systems become faster, nimbler and better able to adapt to future shocks. More information on the RHC – including the Joint Mandate Letter – can be found at resilienthealthcare.ca.