Retired Teachers of Canada Endorse Principles to Guide Health Care Transformation in Canada

OTTAWA, Aug. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) today announced that the Canadian Association of Retired Teachers (ACER-CART), Canada's pre-eminent retired teachers association, has endorsed the Principles to Guide Health Care Transformation in Canada.

"By unanimously endorsing the Principles to Guide Health Care Transformation in Canada, the Canadian Association of Retired Teachers proudly lends its 121 000 members to the common struggle to preserve and enhance our medicare system," said Dr. Thomas Gaskell, president of CART.

"ACER-CART's support of the principles underscores that it is not just health care providers and patient groups who want to see health care transformed, but also Canadians at large," said Dr. Anna Reid, CMA president. "We welcome organizations such as ACER-CART, with its strong and influential voice, in joining physicians in our call for a renewed health care system."

The principles were developed in 2011 by the CMA and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) to guide the transformation of the health care system in Canada. The goal is for Canada's public health care system to provide quality care and to be sustainable, equitable, accountable and patient-centred, with a greater emphasis on prevention. (Click here to see the principles)

"Along with our partners, Canada's physicians will continue our efforts to promote the modernization of Canada's health care system and to foster better health care and the health for all Canadians," Dr. Reid said.

The Canadian Association of Retired Teachers represents thirteen retired teacher associations across Canada with a membership in excess of 121,000 members. It provides liaison and mutual assistance among its member organizations; promotes the interests of its member organizations; develops strategies for joint action on matters of common concern; cooperates with other organizations on matters of common concern; and promotes support for public education. It is headquartered in Ottawa.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 78,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 51 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is to serve and unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate, in partnership with the people of Canada, for the highest standards of health and health care.

SOURCE: Canadian Medical Association

Dominique Jolicoeur, Communications Officer
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