Doug Eyolfson

HEALTH DATA INTEROPERBILITY: Provide CMA’s perspective as it relates to health data interoperability that would ensure providers have access to the right information at the right time when providing care, and improve patient outcomes and their health care experience. BUDGET: Provide CMA’s perspective on the Government of Canada’s budget, particularly as it relates to modernizing Canada’s health care system by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and promoting equitable access to care. HARMFUL ONLINE CONTENT: Advocate to address the escalation of online harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence targeting physicians, other health workers, and anyone seeking health care treatment, including measures to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Act. TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: provide CMA’s perspective on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the health care sector and the means through which advancements can be foreseen and managed. HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION: Increased investments in health and social-determinants-of-health related programs, including measures to address the opioid crisis, mental health and addictions, and the regulation of natural health products. ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN: Advocate for measures to alleviate the administrative burden on physicians and support their professional wellbeing, including investment to facilitate the development of EHRs and EMRs in Canada, improved remuneration for the completion of federal health forms, the development of a Federal Disability Benefit, ensuring that physicians are not captured in the definition of "promoters" in the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Regulations, providing clarity and guidance on federal forms, and advocacy on discontinuing the requirement that employees present sick notes to their employers. The CMA is advocating that the trade of medical goods and medications be protected to avoid disruptions to patient care. Specifically, that the government: Continue to ensure pharmaceutical products and medical devices are not included in any countermeasures on tariffs. Improve safeguards for Canadian health data. Improve labour mobility so physicians can work across the country. Make it easier for qualified physicians to immigrate and work in Canada, including by fast-tracking immigration steps for US physicians. PAN CANADIAN LICENSURE: Advocate for the ability for physicians with full licences to practise independently without restrictions or for medical resident trainees registered in any Canadian jurisdiction to practise or train in any other Canadian jurisdiction without having to acquire more than one licence or pay additional licensing fees. This includes exploring enabling legislation in the provinces and territories. INTEGRATED HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES Advocate for an Integrated Health Human Resources Strategy, including creating retention incentives and addressing administrative burden for health care professionals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses and ensuring that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health team, increasing access to virtual care, creating an action plan to get internationally trained health care professionals to work, improving workforce data collection across health systems and investing in a supply needs-based planning tool, and facilitating team-based health care. MEDICAL MIS/DISINFORMATION: Provide CMA’s perspective on the impacts of medical misinformation and disinformation, including on public trust in science, medicine, and public health experts. INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Improvement to the health and health care services provided to Indigenous peoples in Canada including adding inclusive lettering on health cards across Canada. Advocating for the creation of a national Chief Health Accountability Officer. PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: The CMA is conducting a series of in-person sessions across the country to engage key s

BUDGET: Provide CMA’s perspective on the Government of Canada’s budget, particularly as it relates to modernizing Canada’s health care system by enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and promoting equitable access to care. HARMFUL ONLINE CONTENT: Advocate to address the escalation of online harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence targeting physicians, other health workers, and anyone seeking health care treatment, including measures to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Act. TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: provide CMA’s perspective on the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the health care sector and the means through which advancements can be foreseen and managed. HEALTH DATA INTEROPERBILITY: Provide CMA’s perspective as it relates to health data interoperability that would ensure providers have access to the right information at the right time when providing care, and improve patient outcomes and their health care experience. The CMA is advocating that the trade of medical goods and medications be protected to avoid disruptions to patient care. Specifically, that the government: Continue to ensure pharmaceutical products and medical devices are not included in any countermeasures on tariffs. Improve safeguards for Canadian health data. Improve labour mobility so physicians can work across the country. Make it easier for qualified physicians to immigrate and work in Canada, including by fast-tracking immigration steps for US physicians. MEDICAL MIS/DISINFORMATION: Provide CMA’s perspective on the impacts of medical misinformation and disinformation, including on public trust in science, medicine, and public health experts. PAN CANADIAN LICENSURE: Advocate for the ability for physicians with full licences to practise independently without restrictions or for medical resident trainees registered in any Canadian jurisdiction to practise or train in any other Canadian jurisdiction without having to acquire more than one licence or pay additional licensing fees. This includes exploring enabling legislation in the provinces and territories. INTEGRATED HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES: Advocate for an Integrated Health Human Resources Strategy, including creating retention incentives and addressing administrative burden for health care professionals, increasing the number of doctors and nurses and ensuring that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health team, increasing access to virtual care, creating an action plan to get internationally trained health care professionals to work, improving workforce data collection across health systems and investing in a supply needs-based planning tool, and facilitating team-based health care. ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN: Advocate for measures to alleviate the administrative burden on physicians and support their professional wellbeing, including investment to facilitate the development of EHRs and EMRs in Canada, improved remuneration for the completion of federal health forms, ensuring that physicians are not captured in the definition of "promoters" in the Disability Tax Credit Promoters Restrictions Regulations, and advocacy on discontinuing the requirement that employees present sick notes to their employers. INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Improvement to the health and health care services provided to Indigenous peoples in Canada, including adding inclusive lettering on health cards across Canada. Advocating for the creation of a national Chief Health Accountability Officer. PUBLIC-PRIVATE HEALTHCARE: The CMA is conducting a series of in-person sessions across the country to engage key stakeholders, including the public, physicians, patients/PWLE, policymakers, system leaders and others, in a dialogue on public-private healthcare. What we hear will inform CMA policy moving forward, and our recommendations for action at a national level. PHYSICIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN CAUCUS: advocate for the formation of a Physician Parliamentarian

Educating government on the importance of chiropractic care to provide better access to healthcare - chiropractors are Canada's largest community of regulated MSK experts, offering timely, evidence based, conservative care. MSK conditions are a leading cause of disabilityand healthcare costs, federal action is essential - chiropractic care supports workplace productivity - we want chiropractors to practice to their full scope and improve equitable access for all patients. Improve Access for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Members - remove physician referral requirements and treatment caps to ensure timely, evidence based care. Authorize Chiropractors as Assessors for the Disability Tax Credit - allow chiropractors to certify patients for the Federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC) reducing delays and increasing access. Reinstate Chiropractic Care under NIHB - restore coverage under the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for Indigenous Peoples Expand Student Loan Forgiveness - include chiropractors in the Student Loan Forgiveness program to improve healthcare access in rural and underserviced communities Expanding and including chiropractic care under existing policies and programs such as non-insured health benefits program, Canadian Armed Forces, Interim Federal Health Program, and Disability tax credit.

Raise awareness of the burden of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and the need for more strategic approach to management of MSK health for federal populations including Canadian Forces, Veterans, RCMP and First Nations and Inuit. Inclusion of chiropractors as recognized qualified practitioners to issue the Disability Tax Credit Certificate(T2201). Improve chiropractic coverage for federal public service employees. Improve access to chiropractic care for Indigenous peoples, particularly by adding coverage for chiropractic services under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program. Implement the Canadian Pain Task Force's Action Plan for Pain in Canada and enhance the current approach to pain management by improving the integration of non-pharmacological treatments, such as chiropractic care. Expand the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program to include front-line allied health care professionals, such as Doctors of Chiropractic. Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces paid education programs in health care include chiropractic. Ensure that chiropractors are included in the government's plan to introduce a one-time income tax deduction for health care professionals starting their careers in rural communities. -Allow refugees and refugee claimants to access chiropractic care under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).

That the Government of Canada amend the proposed increase to the capital gains tax inclusion rate to except healthcare clinics Raise awareness of the burden of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and the need for more strategic approach to management of MSK health for federal populations including Canadian Forces, Veterans, RCMP and First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. Inclusion of chiropractors as recognized qualified practitioners to issue the Disability Tax Credit Certificate(T2201). Improve chiropractic coverage for federal public service employees. Improve access to chiropractic care for Indigenous peoples, particularly by adding coverage for chiropractic services under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program. Implement the Canadian Pain Task Force's Action Plan for Pain in Canada and enhance the current approach to pain management by improving the integration of non-pharmacological treatments, such as chiropractic care. Expand the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program to include front-line allied health care professionals, such as Doctors of Chiropractic. Ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces paid education programs in health care include chiropractic. Ensure that chiropractors are included in the government's plan to introduce a one-time income tax deduction for health care professionals starting their careers in rural communities. Allow refugees and refugee claimants to access chiropractic care under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).

Indigenous Healthcare, Non Insured Health Benefit (NIHB), ; restore coverage under the Non Insured Health Benefit program for the Indigenous peoples; improve healthcare for Indigenous populations Improve Access for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Remove physician referral requirements and treatment caps to ensure timely, evidence-based care. Expand Student Loan Forgiveness - include chiropractors in the Student Loan Forgiveness program to improve healthcare access in rural and underserviced communities Disability Tax Credit - authorize chiropractors as assessors for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

Engage government regarding the need for sustainable manufacturing, procurement and stockpiling of medical countermeasures used to diagnose, prevent, or treat diseases related to chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats. Engage National Defence, Health, and Global Affairs Canada on national readiness in response to emerging global health threats. To work with government to make NARCAN® (Naloxone HCI) Nasal Spray more widely available across Canada to facilitate immediate treatment to individuals suffering from opioid overdose. Eligibility for Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentives. Discuss changes to take home naloxone program. Engage Health and National Defence concerning Emergent's Winnipeg facility for the production of medical countermeasures. Seek funding support from the Strategic Innovation Fund to expand Emergent's Winnipeg facility.

Engage National Defence, Health, and Global Affairs Canada on national readiness in response to emerging global health threats. Engage Health and National Defence concerning Emergent's Winnipeg facility for the production of medical countermeasures. To work with government to make NARCAN® (Naloxone HCI) Nasal Spray more widely available across Canada to facilitate immediate treatment to individuals suffering from opioid overdose. Seek funding support from the Strategic Innovation Fund to expand Emergent's Winnipeg facility. Discuss changes to take home naloxone program. Eligibility for Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentives. Engage government regarding the need for sustainable manufacturing, procurement and stockpiling of medical countermeasures used to diagnose, prevent, or treat diseases related to chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats.

Seek funding support from the Strategic Innovation Fund to expand Emergent's Winnipeg facility. Engage government regarding the need for sustainable manufacturing, procurement and stockpiling of medical countermeasures used to diagnose, prevent, or treat diseases related to chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats. Discuss changes to take home naloxone program. To work with government to make NARCAN® (Naloxone HCI) Nasal Spray more widely available across Canada to facilitate immediate treatment to individuals suffering from opioid overdose. Engage Health and National Defence concerning Emergent's Winnipeg facility for the production of medical countermeasures. Eligibility for Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax incentives. Engage National Defence, Health, and Global Affairs Canada on national readiness in response to emerging global health threats.

ADVOCATE FOR IMPROVED AWARENESS, PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF WOMEN'S HEART AND BRAIN HEALTH RISK FACTORS THROUGH BILL S-243, AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH IN CANADA ADVOCATE FOR A MODERNIZED CHARITABLE TAXATION FRAMEWORK THAT STRENGTHENS CHARITIES AND THEIR ABILITY TO MOBILIZE RESOURCES FOR THE BENEFIT OF CANADIANS. FINALIZE REGULATIONS TO RESTRICT VAPE FLAVOURS (INCLUDING MINT/MENTHOL); INTRODUCE PLAIN AND STANDARDIZED PACKAGING FOR VAPING PRODUCTS; INCREASE TOBACCO AND VAPE TAXES; IMPLEMENT A TOBACCO COST RECOVERY FEE; PROTECT EXISTING NICOTINE POUCH REGULATIONS; BAN INTERNET/ONLINE SALES FOR TOBACCO AND E-CIGARETTES; PROHIBIT THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AMONGST INDIVIDUALS BORN BEFORE A DETERMINED YEAR; INCREASE THE MINIMUM LEGAL AGE OF SALE FOR TOBACCO AND VAPING PRODUCTS TO 21 YEARS OF AGE. SUPPORT POLICIES THAT ELIMINATE FINANCIAL BARRIERS TO SPORT PARTICIPATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, WHILE ENSURING SPORT PARTICIPATION FUNDING IS ROLLED OUT IN AN ACCESSIBLE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE MANNER. ADVOCATE FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION TO REDUCE THE CONSUMPTION OF, AND HARMS ASSOCIATED WITH, ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS. ADVOCATE FOR AND FUND EQUITABLE ACCESS TO PALLIATIVE CARE PROGRAMS FOR CANADIANS, INCLUDING EQUITY-SEEKING GROUPS. INTRODUCTION OF A NATIONAL PHARMACARE PROGRAM IMPLEMENT REGULATIONS TO RESTRICT COMMERCIAL MARKETING OF UNHEALTHY FOODS AND BEVERAGES TO CHILDREN IMPLEMENT A TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS. REVENUES FROM SUCH A TAXATION STREAM SHOULD BE USED TO SUBSIDIZE HEALTHY EATING INITIATIVES FUND PUBLIC AWARENESS FOR IMPROVED USE OF DEFIBRILLATORS AND CPR. ADVOCATE FOR A TAX-EXEMPTION ON THE SALE OF DEFIBRILLATORS. ENSURE THAT THE DEDICATED FEDERAL ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FUND BECOMES A PERMANENT ENVELOPE IN CANADA'S INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING.

Information sharing related to Canada’s defence policy and the opportunities for leveraging existing resourcing at UM. Advocacy for dual-use proposals. Information sharing related to opportunities for collaboration concerning development of Canada’s north, including the greater Churchill area. Advocacy for utilization of UM resources such as the Churchill Marine Observatory for Canada’s plans in Hudson’s Bay and the high arctic. Information sharing regarding UM’s research strengths and capacity to assist the Government of Canada. Information sharing on research and innovation opportunities/capacity including facilities and research focus areas. Information sharing and collaboration related to northern and arctic food security. Information sharing on UM’s research strengths in designing resilient all-weather roads and rail-line relocations that improve northern connectivity while minimizing impacts on local wildlife and traditional ways of life. Information sharing and advocacy for support regarding UM’s work with Indigenous communities to increase access and opportunities for Indigenous learners in Manitoba. Advocacy of proposals related to the Build Strong Communities Fund. Advocacy for federal, long-term solution to address challenges experienced by dental college and clinic since the onset of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDPC). Advocacy for changes to immigration policy limiting the number of international students Canada accepts, and advocacy to address the consequences of Canada’s diminished international reputation. Advocacy and information sharing on opportunities for fostering a collaborative and impactful innovation ecosystem that supports researchers, the institutions they represent, and commercialization of ideas and property. Support, advocacy and information sharing related to the mandate of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s ongoing activities. Accessing Government records and archives related to residential schools. Advocacy for support for annual events and programming.

Engage the government on the benefits of virtual audits for retrofits aimed at low-income households. In support of the federal government's climate change objectives, seek expansion of the Low Carbon Cities Canada initiative to invest in urban greenhouse gas reduction projects focused on buildings, transportation and waste in major Canadian cities.

The Arctic Gateway Group is seeking federal government support and funding to rebuild the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway allowing them to play a more significant role in Canada's trade and transportation sectors.

Discuss increasing incidents of violence against health care workers, prevention, and enforcement of existing laws. Support nursing students through targeted financial support such as paid preceptorships and federal grants. Support internationally educated nurses through establishing a collaborative, multi-stakeholder body hosted by Health Canada, to lead national strategy, planning and coordination for internationally educated nurses' registration, integration and support. Targeted funding of $1 billion as an initial investment to immediately begin to address the current health care workforce crisis experienced by provinces/territories across Canada, with funding focused on short and long-term goals. To achieve patient-centred quality care based on the WHO’s comprehensive health labour markets framework that would be acceptable to, and delivered by, the provinces/territories. Provide sustainable funding so nurses and other healthcare workers have access to mental health supports. In keeping with the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, establish specific targets and timelines for the admission and graduation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit health professionals in all postsecondary institutions and provide funding dedicated to indigenous nurse students. Implementing a Universal single-payer pharmacare program. Fund innovative retention and recruitment programs targeted at early-career, mid-career and late-career nurses. Establish a dedicated coordinating body to address critical health workforce data gaps based on global best practices on health workforce management. Address health workforce shortages through the implementation of a comprehensive, pan-Canadian health human resources strategy, in coordination with the provinces and territories, backed by sufficient funding and with real accountability for achieving desired health outcomes; and address critical data gaps through significantly enhancing existing health workforce data infrastructure to standardize data collection and analysis across workers, sectors and jurisdictions, with links to relevant patient information, healthcare utilization and outcome data, for more fit-for-purpose planning and tools available at the provincial, territorial, regional and training program level. In designing this, Canada should draw on global best practices in health workforce planning including in Australia and New Zealand.

Advocating for upholding Canada's commitments to international human rights. Advocating for the protection of freedom of religion in Canada and with respect to the reasonable accommodation of religious observances. Advocating for stronger legislation to address hate crime and online hate. Advocating for policy initiatives related to combating Islamophobia and discrimination; Supporting various programs to protect fundamental freedoms in Canada. Advocating for policies to enhance the security and safety of Canadian Muslim communities and other at-risk communities given the rise in hate crimes; countering supremacist violent extremist groups

Bringing attention to OHA's Pre Budget Submission which includes the following: Recommendation 1: Position Canada as a global leader in the health research industry by strengthening talent pipelines, sustaining funding, and leveraging diversity. Recommendation 2: Bolster Canada’s competitiveness by accelerating health research commercialization through regulatory modernization, infrastructure investment, and federal-provincial partnerships. Inform the Government of Canada of the experience that Ontario hospitals are having with the timelines to expand Medical Assistance in Dying Doubling the funding investment to the Tri-Council (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC) to bring Canada into competitive balance globally. Advocate for increased funding into Canada Health Transfers to help bolster healthcare delivery capacity. Advocate for federal action on the Health Human Resources (HHR) crisis by delivering a Pan-Canadian strategy that addresses recruitment, retention, and other key issues.

Health Infrastructure Fund - hospital infrastructure Bill C-265 - FDA amendments related to pre-approval of therapeutic products Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) - various bills, including with respect to advance requests and in the context of mental illness Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada with respect to artificial intelligence (AI) Investments in health research, commercialization support, and recruitment of scientists to Canada. Health care implications of an aging population; Senior care; Health research and innovation to address aging population implications Tri-Council - Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) with respect to research funding.