Quebec Health Reform Bill 10 Puts Health Minister At Center

 Micro-management of the health system not the answer  Quebec has begun the process of reforming its beleaguered health-care system yet again with the introduction of Bill 10. But will Bill 10 fulfill its promises of reconfiguring the organization and governance of Quebec’s health and social services? There are three clear

Look to Alberta Today, Not 20 Years Ago, for Guidance on Private MRIs

 Allowing private MRI clinics does not shorten wait times in public system  This past week, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall took to twitter to ask the question “Is it time to allow people to pay for their own private MRIs in Saskatchewan like they can do in Alberta?” This came after

Dr. Shadi Shadid – The Dentist Who Gives You a Reason to Smile

 Humour, warmth, understanding and excellent care. These are the things you can expect when you walk through the door at Dentistry at the Crossing. Ditching the guilty lectures on plaque build up or swollen gums, Dr. Shadi Shadid, the charismatic owner of Dentistry at the Crossing, instead focuses on the

Is it Time to Allow Assisted Suicide?

 Most Canadians do not have access to comprehensive palliative care This week, the Supreme Court of Canada has been hearing an appeal by the B.C. Civil Liberties Association that could grant terminally ill Canadians the right to assisted suicide. With this impending ruling and the passing of Bill 52 in

Living Well Cancer Care and Prevention Show Recap

 The first annual Living Well Cancer Care and Prevention Show hosted by the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre this past Sunday, September 21, can only be described as a complete success. The show, which took place at Ottawa’s RA Centre on Riverside Drive, brought together the most insightful voices in the health

Sex, Lies and Physician Supply

 Why female doctors are not to blame Among the many reasons offered for why many Canadians are increasingly facing difficulties finding a family physician to call their own is the fact that the workforce has become increasingly female. The argument usually goes something like this: female family practitioners work fewer

Why Canadian Medicare Should Neither ‘Go Dutch’ or ‘to the Dogs’

 Canada’s health care system faced some provocative comparisons recently. First was Sarah Boston’s new book, Lucky Dog, in which she details her personal experience with thyroid cancer and navigating the Canadian health system. Boston, a veterinary oncologist, claims Canadian dogs often have better access to health care than their human

Better Health Together – How Technology is Transforming Health Care

 The digital revolution has hit the health-care system. Thanks to federal investments in digital health through Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) and every province and territory, Canadians are benefitting from billions of dollars in health system efficiencies and improved patient experiences. Investments in innovation have led to the use of electronic

Teams in Action: Primary Health Care Teams for Canadians

 Joe, 60, has diabetes, high blood NO pressure and arthritis. He says that shuttling around town to various health appointments is like a full-time job. "I'm never sure how much these people talk to each other," he adds. "I worry that something's going to get missed somewhere." Health concerns —