Ottawa should come to its census: Stop dogging Statscan
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
July 8, 2010
The data Statscan collects are invaluable to government, business, charities and, ultimately, every single Canadian. The information and the analysis the agency provides are the bedrock on which sound public policies – social, economic and fiscal – are built. So why is the federal government undermining the ability of Statistics Canada to collect data?… this is occurring, strangely, in the midst of a recession and while economic and social policies are changing markedly: It’s as if our political leaders do not want to know the impact on their constituents, as if they think that political spin is an adequate substitute for sound statistical analysis.
Tags: ideology, participation, standard of living
Posted in Governance Debates | No Comments »
We need more primary care, not more physicians
Monday, July 5th, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
… it’s concerning that 15 per cent of the population does not have a regular primary care provider… B.C. is going to ensure “everyone has a family doctor” by improving access to nurse practitioners, nurses, dieticians and other specialized health professionals. Many jurisdictions are taking this approach – care delivered by multidisciplinary teams. It’s a laudable, effective, cost-efficient approach, and it’s long overdue. The strategy is particularly useful for patients with chronic illnesses, or multiple chronic illnesses, who need regular monitoring and follow-up care.
Tags: Health, standard of living
Posted in Health Debates | No Comments »
Cheers to a century of better public health in Canada
Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Jun. 16, 2010
While medical care has improved dramatically, the vast majority of those gains are due to pretty simple public health measures… The reality is that the economic and social conditions in which we live – income, housing, education, physical environment and support networks – ultimately have more impact on our health than genetics or lifestyle choices.
Tags: Health, Indigenous, standard of living
Posted in Health History, Health Policy Context | 1 Comment »
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