The Royal Canadian Legion's 320,000 members endorse the Principles to Guide Health Care Transformation in Canada

OTTAWA, Aug. 2, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is pleased to announce that The Royal Canadian Legion has endorsed the Principles to Guide Health Care Transformation in Canada. This brings to 129 the number of organizations who have lent their support to the principles.

"On behalf of its over 320,000 members, the over one million Veterans and their families, and all Canadians, we are proud to support the Principles to Guide Health Care Transformation in Canada," said Gordon Moore, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion. "This is an important priority that needs engagement by all levels of government and health care providers to ensure the future of health care in Canada remains universal, accessible and needs-based," added Moore.

"The Legion's support of the principles is a demonstration that the importance of health care transformation is of great concern  to our country's veterans," said Dr. Anna Reid, CMA president. "The fact that the Legion has decided to join patient and non-patient groups and health charities in this movement for change is a testament to the seriousness of this issue to all Canadians."

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.)

"We are pleased that we can count on the Legion's support and the power of their membership to influence decision makers in the transformation of Canada's health care system," said Dr. Reid. "We hope that other groups will join the ranks of this important movement."

For over 87 years, The Royal Canadian Legion continues to be the largest Veterans service organization in Canada with more than 320,000 members. Their mission is to serve all Veterans including serving Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police members, and their families, to promote Remembrance and serve local communities and Canada as a whole.

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

Lucie Boileau
Senior Advisor, Communications and Public Outreach
[email protected]
Tel.: [phone] ext. 1266 Cell.: 613-447-0866