Health Council of Canada welcomes Alberta's decision to join the Council and strengthen reporting on health care renewal

TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - The Health Council of Canada welcomes the province of Alberta to the Council, and recognizes the tremendous impact this new voice will bring to the quality and fullness of the Council's reporting on progress in health care renewal across Canada.

In an announcement at a Health Ministers meeting in Halifax on November 25, 2011, the Honourable Fred Horne, Minister of Health and Wellness for Alberta, declared Alberta's intention to join the Health Council, saying this step would strengthen partnerships with other provinces and allow ministers to collaborate effectively on key health care strategies. The Health Council has received Alberta's written request for membership in the Council, making the transition official.

"Adding Alberta's experience and insights to the Health Council will undoubtedly strengthen the Council's ability to report on health care renewal," said Dr. Jack Kitts, Chair of the Health Council of Canada. "They have demonstrated leadership in primary health care reform, and have made significant progress on provincial electronic health records. We look forward to building on our already collaborative relationship with Alberta and learning more about the province's leading practices."

"Alberta looks forward to joining with our provincial and territorial partners and the federal government as we work to address health system issues of concern to all Canadians," said Horne. "The Health Council provides a forum for sharing leading practices to support continuous quality improvement in all jurisdictions, and we will be pleased to contribute to this important work."

Since 2003, the Health Council of Canada has provided the national picture on the progress of health care renewal, working collaboratively with key agencies in Alberta on specific project initiatives.

"The province of Alberta is a leader in many areas of health care. We look forward to building on our relationship and working together towards strengthening health care across this country," said John G. Abbott, CEO of the Health Council of Canada.

About the Health Council of Canada
Created by the 2003 First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal, the Health Council of Canada is an independent national agency that reports on the progress of health care renewal. The Council provides a system-wide perspective on health care reform in Canada, and disseminates information on leading practices and innovation across the country. The Councillors are appointed by the participating provincial and territorial governments and the Government of Canada.

To download reports and other Health Council materials, visit www.healthcouncilcanada.ca.

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Yeena Peng, Manager, Media Relations, Health Council of Canada
[email protected], O: 416-480-7100, C: 416-407-2635