Medicare

Licensed and Registered Practical Nurses urge Premiers to agree on key principles to protect and strengthen public Medicare

mluff — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:34:37 -0500

Members of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) gathered in Victoria this week to discuss the ongoing Health Accord negotiations and various labour relations and professional practice issues. They were joined by representatives from the B.C Hospital Employees' Union.

Harper government attacks public health care with unilateral decision to cutback transfer payments

lbush — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:10:35 -0500

"Once again, the Harper government has shown that it prefers to dictate rather than negotiate," said James Clancy, NUPGE National President. "Their unilateral decision to cutback billions of dollars in health transfer payments will have serious negative consequences in terms of the accessibility and quality of health care across the country."

National Union releases report on long-term care: Dignity Denied 2011

dduffy — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:36:32 -0500

Dignity Denied 2011 illustrates the flaws in our current system of long-term care and offers common sense solutions for positive change.

LPNs with Eastern Health have temporary full time employment extended

dduffy — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:52:56 -0500

NAPE/NUPGE's campaign to save the jobs of LPNs working for Eastern Health has made progress.

Health science professionals front and centre in Halifax during Health Ministers meeting

dduffy — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:18:45 -0500

"The first thing we should be looking at is tax fairness rather than cutting social programs like Medicare." - Elisabeth Ballerman, CHPS Co-Chair and HSAA President.

New Nanos Poll: Canadians want more federal investment in health care

lbush — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:36:56 -0500

As Canada’s Ministers of Health prepare to meet in Halifax a new Nanos poll finds nearly 90% of Canadians want to see the Harper government invest more in health care with a focus on the recruitment of health care professionals.

Health care activists gather in Halifax for meeting of health ministers

dduffy — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:58:22 -0500

"We need to work together to force them to put people before tax cuts and excessive corporate profits." - James Clancy, NUPGE President.

SGEU makes donation to seniors organization

dduffy — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:22:44 -0400

"This is an opportunity to thank our seniors who have done so much to build our city and our community,” said Trevor Morin, Local 1101 President.

NAPE supports legislation for fire fighters

dduffy — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:56:11 -0400

"They are simply asking for the same protection as other fire fighters and for the ability to access protection should they become victims of such occupational hazards." - Carol Furlong, NAPE President.

National Union calls for action during Mental Illness Awareness Week

lbush — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:00:00 -0400

“People shouldn't have to suffer in silence. Our country is seriously lacking the support systems and services needed to help people with mental health problems," James Clancy, National President, NUPGE.

SGEU challenges government to put cancer patients first

dduffy — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:32:14 -0400

"We have trouble understanding why government would not agree to a proposal that puts the needs of cancer patients first." - Kenton Emery, SGEU agreement administration advisor.

NAPE: Labour market study reinforces need to recognize role of LPNs

lbush — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:13:30 -0400

“As health professionals LPNs are an integral part of the health care team. The inability to recruit and retain LPNs will have a major impact on our health care system.” - Carol Furlong, president NAPE/NUPGE.

Judicial review needed before psychiatric patient advocates transferred to CMHA

dduffy — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:29:39 -0400

"This is as blatant a conflict-of-interest as I’ve ever seen.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU president.

Ontario Health Coalition seeks public input on election priorities

dduffy — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:02:43 -0400

“Lip service to health care is not enough,” says Natalie Mehra, director of the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC). “Ontarians need clear commitments on the key issues that matter in our communities.”

National Union: no need to change intellectual properties for drugs under CETA

dduffy — Tue, 31 May 2011 12:19:18 -0400

Despite lobbying efforts by Big Pharma, new report by Edward M. Iacobucci, the Osler Chair in Business Law at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, indicates that no changes are needed.

National Union: OECD report on elder care suggests action needed now

lbush — Wed, 18 May 2011 10:10:20 -0400

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports cost of elder care could triple in next forty years.

May 2 to 9 is Children's Mental Health week in Ontario

dduffy — Wed, 04 May 2011 15:25:17 -0400

Ontarians urged to "Take a Stand" for youth mental health.

PEIUPSE demands province set standard education for RCWs

dduffy — Tue, 03 May 2011 14:43:14 -0400

"The call for standardized RCW education is now more important than ever," asserts PEIUPSE President Shelley Ward. "Patient safety and care depends on successful collaboration between health care professionals."

Sudden, radical cut to x-ray services will ultimately cost Kamloops

dduffy — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:12:19 -0400

“Outpatient x-rays are a source of much-needed revenue for the hospital. And they want to give them away to the for-profit clinics? That’s wrong.”

Koch Industries registers to lobby Alberta government

dduffy — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:28:21 -0400

According to Global Compass Group, the lobby firm hired by Koch Industries to represent its interests, it will focus on issues ranging from taxation policy, energy and resource and economic development.

Friends of Medicare rally for a public inquiry- March 26

dduffy — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:32:05 -0400

“A full public inquiry would be just the ticket to restore public confidence in our system," said David Eggen, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare.

What is Harper hiding on health care? Why is he sending Health Accord review to unelected Senate?

lbush — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:46:45 -0500

NUPGE President James Clancy criticized the Harper government for sending a review of the 2004 Health Accord to the unelected Senate rather than allowing elected Members of Parliament to conduct public hearings.

A zero percent increase in funding means health care cuts, says NSGEU

dduffy — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 17:10:14 -0500

Our members are already facing stretched workloads trying to deal with patients having greater health needs than ever before,” said Jessome. “No additional funding will make the situation in our health facilities even worse, especially in light of rising costs and the aging population.”

Study: Canada-EU Trade deal proposals could add $2.8 billion to drug costs

lbush — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:07:48 -0500

Study highlights concerns raised by NUPGE that big pharmaceutical companies were lobbying governments for proposals that would drive up profits and health care costs.

New Brunswick cuts will hurt health care recruiting

dblaikie — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:36:00 -0500

Province already facing shortage of doctors, nurses and health care practitioners, says medical society.

HSAA members urged to rally Dec. 4 at legislature

dblaikie — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:32:00 -0500

'We demand that our public health care system be protected and not secretly dismantled by the Stelmach government.'

Alberta Tories fire MLA for health care criticism

dblaikie — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:44:00 -0500

Episode underscores HSAA position in demanding action now to deal with provincial ER crisis.

BCHC sets up National Medicare Action Centre

dblaikie — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:32:00 -0500

'This is a great opportunity to voice your support for Medicare and send a message about the kind of health care system you want!'

Let's defend Medicare - it's National Medicare Week

dblaikie — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:13:42 -0500

Take two minutes to e-mail Prime Minister Stephen Harper demanding that the Canada Health Act be enforced.

Two health care rallies are planned in Edmonton

dblaikie — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:30:00 -0500

"Our Tax Dollars - Our Health Centre ... Open the Doors, Turn On All the Lights!'

OPSEU calls for timely access in wake of suicides

dblaikie — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:45:00 -0500

14 young people have taken their lives in the Sarnia area alone this year.

HSAA demands action now to shorten ER wait times

dblaikie — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:45:00 -0400

Situation so bad in Alberta that some patients are dialing 9-1-1 while they wait in emergency for treatment.

Growth in Canada's health spending hits 13-year low

mluff — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:27:27 -0400

Despite an aging population, Canadian health care costs are not growing as fast as they used to, according to a new report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).

Friends of Medicare campaign launched in Alberta

dblaikie — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:35:00 -0400

Legal opinion commissioned by Alberta Federation of Labour says proposed changes are "not consistent with a democratic society."

Private B.C. clinics violating the Canada Health Act

dblaikie — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:20:00 -0400

B.C. Health Coalition report says 'explosion' of for-profit clinics jeopardizing equality and fairness of the health care system.

Feds blew cash with no plan for mentally ill offenders

dblaikie — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:43:00 -0400

'There will be a less safe environment in Canadian penitentiaries.' - Howard Sapers.

OPSEU issues report on mental health cuts in London

dblaikie — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:40:00 -0400

Bed counts will drop to nearly half over the next four years despite a doubling of patients with dementia in the coming years, union says.

Winnipeg Paramedics demand more ambulances

dblaikie — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:30:00 -0400

'Right now lives are being put at risk. It’s that simple.' - Chris Broughton, MGEU Local 911.

Major Alberta health report says 'Put People First'

dblaikie — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:34:06 -0400

Released after 12 months of hearings, workshops and submissions from Alberta groups and citizens.

Ontario may seek to freeze private care executives

dblaikie — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:29:00 -0400

Employees fighting freeze say money saved in wages would be scooped up by long-term care executives and private shareholders.

CHC demands leadership on public Pharmacare plan

dblaikie — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:00:00 -0400

Canadian Health Coalition says ‘affordability’ no longer an excuse for inaction.

Mental illness tops all causes of missed work days

dblaikie — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:51:00 -0400

'It is crucial that businesses make mental health and well-being a priority to prevent disability in the first place.'

Care centre fails to pay wages owed to workers

dblaikie — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:31:00 -0400

'Laid-off workers have not received their severance entitlements despite an employment standards regulation requiring the employer to pay out all wages within 48 hours.' - BCGEU.

CMA Journal article backs drug injection site

dblaikie — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:32:00 -0400

'We're calling on the federal government to drop the current action they have in the Supreme Court.'

Public health care to fund private surgeries in Regina

dblaikie — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:31:00 -0400

Saskatchewan Party government eroding public health care system, say critics.

B.C. campaign tries to stop more for-profit clinics

dblaikie — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:02:00 -0400

Municipalities across the province are being urged to support a resolution by Victoria and New Westminster at UBCM meeting in September.

Another reminder of the value of Canadian Medicare

dblaikie — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:01:00 -0400

Many Americans going without health care as private insurance companies continue to jack up premiums to pay for exorbitant CEO salaries and lobbyists.

Ontario's health networks require sweeping reforms

dblaikie — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:31:00 -0400

'The genie is out of the bottle and no matter how hard he tries the premier won’t ever get it back in.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Ombudsman rips health agency over ER closures

dblaikie — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:30:00 -0400

Niagara-Haldimand-Brant LHIN held meetings 'that were clearly illegal,' says André Marin.

Premiers agree to set up bulk-buy drug program

dblaikie — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:31:00 -0400

Health and finance ministers instructed to design national plan following summer meetings by first ministers in Winnipeg.

Calgary surgeries jeopardized by privatization

lbush — Sun, 02 May 2010 21:37:11 -0400

“The promises of shorter wait times, of innovation, and of cost savings have just evaporated. In the end, I'm prepared to bet that Alberta tax payers will be paying a whole lot more than we would have if we had never travelled down this slippery slope,” Elisabeth Ballermann.

York U health researchers on who gets sick and why

lbush — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:58:34 -0400

New report concludes that the health of Canadians is much less determined by the health care system than we typically think. Much more important are public policies that influence our living conditions.

Canadian lessons from U.S. health care 'reform'

lbush — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 13:00:00 -0400

NUPGE president James Clancy says the acrimonious U.S.health care debate offers a welcome reminder that Canada’s national Medicare program is a triumph of both values and economics.

Fraser Health Authority flouts Supreme Court ruling

dblaikie — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:01:00 -0500

Ignores restrictions imposed by Canada's top court when sections of Bill 29 were struck down as unconstitutional.

PM must be leader during 'National Medicare Week'

dblaikie — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Canadian Health Coalition celebrating 30th anniversary defending Medicare and campaigning for a national pharmacare program.

Coalition warns against private clinics in Sask.

dblaikie — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:28:00 -0500

Private delivery of services should not even be considered, says Canadian Health Coalition.

Vernon-area mental health workers join BCGEU to make their workplace better

lbush — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:39:53 -0400

"We're honoured that they have chosen to join our organization for the security and certainty of a union contract." BCGEU president Darryl Walker

UPSE: LPNs not receiving appropriate education upgrade

lbush — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:26:31 -0400

Some LPNs are even worried that the program has been set up in a manner that will prevent them from succeeding.

Ontario's $1-billion eHealth consulting scandal

dblaikie — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:31:00 -0400

The private consultants behind the eHealth spending scandal weren’t able to contain themselves from pinching the public purse for every last dime." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Poll finds Albertans do not accept health care cuts

dblaikie — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:27:00 -0400

804 people surveyed across the province in mid-September by NRG Research Group.

NUPGE puts spotlight on mental health care

dblaikie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:30:00 -0400

'We all need to learn more about the burden of mental illness on individuals, families and our society and try to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of those Canadians who are suffering in silence.' - James Clancy.

Alberta MRI funding cuts undermine public health care, says HSAA President

lbush — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:04:22 -0400

MRI wait lists already at unacceptable levels across Alberta. Decision will impact the lives of patients who are battling life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer or significant trauma.

LPN shortage harming PEI health care

lbush — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:24:17 -0400

Casual, part time and temporary lists depleted to the point where there is nobody to call when staff are sick. Resulting in overworked staff who are susceptible to burnout.

Medical bills cause 62.1% of all U.S. bankruptcies

dblaikie — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:30:00 -0400

'Our findings are frightening. Unless you're Warren Buffett, your family is just one serious illness away from bankruptcy.' - Harvard's Dr. David Himmelstein.

Vote for public health care on May 12, says HSABC

dblaikie — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:31:00 -0400

Detailed document on party health care positions compiled by the B.C. Health Coalition.

Clinic wants payment for sterilizing instruments

dblaikie — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:30:00 -0400

Fee charged to patients will be replaced with 'tray fee' paid by Alberta Health Care Insurance.

Senate report says Canada lags in care of seniors

dblaikie — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:29:00 -0400

'Sandwich generation' needs help coping simultaneously with children and aging parents.'

Study proves need for national elder care program

khawley — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:07:02 -0400

Five million Canadians provide care for their loved ones with long-term health problems.

Canada-wide blitz to keep health care public

dblaikie — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:32:00 -0400

Canadian Health Coalition challenges CMA president Dr. Robert Ouellet to stop misleading Canadians about private, for-profit health care.

They Deserve Better: CCPA book on long-term care

dblaikie — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:30:00 -0400

'[It] starts with the assumption that the conditions of work are the conditions for care.'

OPSEU withdraws from nursing home committee

dblaikie — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:30:15 -0400

'The absence of a staffing standard has already compromised quality care in the drive to maximize profits.'

OPSEU joins health coalition postcard campaign

dblaikie — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 13:14:00 -0400

Message to Premier Dalton McGuinty: Please fund our hospitals adequately to resolve their deficits and stop the cuts.

A NAFTA challenge to Medicare

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

By Larry Brown
National Secretary-Treasurer
National Union of Public and General Employees

Promise of 2003 national health accord not yet realized

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Health Council of Canada reviews progress since historic agreement by Canada's first ministers

NUPGE continues campaign to save public Medicare system

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

'We can't stand still. We can either go back or we can go forward. The choice we make today will decide the future of Medicare in Canada.' - Tommy Douglas

National Union responds to new Health Council report

admin — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

'The National Union has set out a 10-step plan for addressing wait-times and putting our Medicare system on stable footing. This report suggests that we are on the right track.' – James Clancy, NUPGE president