Monday, Aug. 24, 2015 (Ottawa) – Today, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) released letters on behalf of nearly 200,000 nurses from across Canada, asking federal party leaders who will become the champion on the true vote deciding issue for Canadians in this federal election – health care.
 
“As frontline nurses and patient advocates it is our responsibility to speak out when we see the long-term health of the people we care for is at risk, “said CFNU president Linda Silas. “Canada’s nurses are concerned that voters have yet to hear where party leaders stand on issues facing national health care.”
 
When Canadians are asked about their top priorities for our country, a strong, stable and properly funded health care system is always at the top of the charts. To date it is being ignored. Our national health care system must be a priority in this election.
 
Canada’s nurses are asking for a national leader who can articulate a clear and actionable plan on four key health care issues:
 
  • A National Prescription Drug Plan;
  • A Safe Seniors Strategy;
  • A National Health Human Resources plan; and
  • A commitment to fund 25% of all health care spending by provinces and territories by 2025.
 
“Never before has the Canadian health care system needed a national conversation like it does now. Canadians are asking to hear about the future of health care in this country, and we’re eagerly waiting to hear where each party leaders stands,” said Silas. “We want to know who will be the health care leader that Canadians are waiting for.”
 
To read the letters to leaders please visit www.nursesunions.ca. For more information on key health issues please visit www.voteforcare.ca
 
The Letters;
 
 
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The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) is Canada’s largest nurses’ organization representing nearly 200,000 nurses and student nurses. The CFNU has been advocating for national discussions on key health priorities, such as a national prescription drug plan, a comprehensive approach to long-term and continuing care, greater attention to health human resources, and federal government engagement on the future of public health care.