Advocacy Newsletter

Ignite Change with SPARK: ACTION

Welcome to SPARK: Action, Children's Healthcare Canada's dynamic policy newsletter that illuminates the vital advocacy work undertaken by our organization and our dedicated members in shaping federal policies for child and youth healthcare.

Each edition of SPARK: Action spurs inspiration and mobilization, showcasing the impactful initiatives, collaborations, and achievements driving positive change in children's health across the nation. From legislative updates and advocacy campaigns to member spotlights and policy analysis, SPARK: Action fuels momentum towards a brighter, healthier future for every child.

Join us as we ignite change and champion the voices of children and youth to shape federal policy and advocacy efforts. Subscribe now to stay informed, engaged, and empowered with SPARK: Action.

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SPARK: Action | July 2025

Championing Child Health: Driving Policy and Advocacy Forward

At Children’s Healthcare Canada, we remain steadfast in our commitment to improving the health and well-being of children and youth across the country through strategic partnerships, impactful advocacy, and evidence-based recommendations.

This month, we are pleased to showcase our recent advocacy work, partnerships, and legislative interactions, all focused on promoting the well-being of children.

In this issue:

Addressing the Rise in Measles: A Parliamentary Information Session on Immunization and Child Health

On June 3, 2025, as measles cases continued to spread across Canada, Children’s Healthcare Canada hosted a virtual information session for Parliamentarians in collaboration with Senator Rosemarie Moodie and Senator Stan Kutcher.

Experts provided an overview of the current epidemiological situation in Canada, transmission patterns, and strategies to protect children, families, and communities through immunization and other public health measures.

The discussion highlighted key challenges in achieving and maintaining high immunization coverage. Vaccine hesitancy, fuelled by misinformation and mistrust in vaccines, was identified as a significant obstacle undermining public confidence. The session emphasized the critical role of Parliamentarians in advocating for legislative and policy initiatives that prioritize funding, resource allocation, and policy frameworks supporting immunization as essential components of Canada’s public health strategy.

View the recording here: Measles in Your Riding- What Parliamentarians Need to Know.

On the Hill: Engaging with Members of Parliament in the 45th Parliament

Since the start of the 45^th Parliament, we have been engaging with Members of Parliament, as well as with senators, to elevate children’s health as a national priority. Through these meetings, we are profiling our association and our members, as well as putting forward a national agenda that focuses on improving health outcomes for children and youth nationwide. Since early June, we have met with (and counting):

(From left to right: MP Kelly DeRidder, MP Braedon Clark, MP Hedy Fry, MP Leah Gazan, MP Richard Martel, MP Jacques Ramsay, Senator Tracy Muggli)

Find our policy recommendations here: Federal Priorities for Child Health in Canada.

Showcasing Child Health from Coast to Coast

Members of Children's Healthcare Canada continue to host elected officials at their facilities. These visits offer an unfiltered glimpse into the life-changing care provided to Canada’s most vulnerable—our children. Parliamentarians can see how strategic investments in child health have a profound and positive impact on individual patients, their families, and entire communities. These visits underscore the pressing need for a more robust federal commitment to child health, ensuring that all children in Canada receive high-quality care, regardless of their location.

As we continue to advocate for bold action and meaningful partnerships between government and healthcare providers, the unwavering support of our elected officials is crucial. If you are interested in hosting parliamentarians at your site, please get in touch with us at advocacy@childhealthcan.ca.

Working Together to Keep Children’s Health on the National Agenda

Canada’s children’s healthcare systems are stretched to the limit. From coast to coast, across the continuum of care, children, youth, and their families face long and costly delays for essential, time-sensitive healthcare services. With the 2025 federal election behind us, it is more important than ever to advocate for children’s health. Here’s how you can help ensure children’s health remains a national priority.

Share and Spread the Word.

Be a voice for kids by using your social media channels to share our messages, policy priorities, and informative webinars. Join the conversation- the more visible we are, the greater our impact!

Engage with your Local Members of Parliament.

Who is your organization’s local MP? Please learn more about them and reach out to them to prioritize children's health.

Find out here: Who Represents Your Organization in Parliament?

Share Resources.

Share our tools (reports, podcasts, newsletters, webinars) with your professional and community networks.

Participate in Government Consultations.

Participate in government consultations, such as those conducted by the Standing Committee on Health (HESA), to influence policy decisions that improve children's health. You can join either as an organization or through Children’s Healthcare Canada.

Advocacy 101: Strategies and Opportunities for the Family Network to Advance Child Health

On June 19th, Children’s Healthcare Canada’s Family Network hosted an engaging session on child health advocacy priorities led by in-house advocacy experts, Marjolaine Provost and Mishail Bhatia. The session focused on current advocacy priorities and key players in Parliament. It provided participants with practical advocacy tools and highlighted opportunities for Family Network members to contribute to national policy discussions shaping federal child health policies. The session emphasized the importance of family perspectives in driving meaningful change. It also provided guidance on how members can engage directly with policymakers, support advocacy campaigns, and contribute to the development of more responsive child health systems.

If you are interested in organizing a similar session for your organization, please reach out to advocacy@childhealthcan.ca.

Truth, Trust, and Tik Tok- How Disinformation and Digital Harm Threaten Child Health

On June 25th, Children’s Healthcare Canada hosted a webinar attended by over 200 members and partners, focusing on how disinformation and digital harms negatively impact children’s health. The session highlighted the urgent need to update laws and regulations to protect young people online. A panel of experts, including Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt from the University of Ottawa, Marie-Ève Nadeau from the 5Rights Foundation, John Matheson from Reset Tech, and Mihir Rao, UN Youth Advocate, discussed how social media platforms promote harmful content through addictive design, affect children’s mental health, and the importance of involving youth in policymaking. The panel emphasized the need for collaboration among multiple stakeholders, improved digital literacy education, and decisive government actions, including new legislation, to create safer digital environments for children.

Watch the recording here.

Federal Election 45 Results: Impact on Children’s Health and Healthcare

In this episode of SPARK Conversations, host Dr. Katharine Smart and her guests explore the impact of the recent Canadian federal election results on children’s health and healthcare across the country. Podcast guests Danielle Flieler, Manager of Federal Government Affairs at Santis Health, and Jim Armour, Managing Partner at Summa Strategies Canada, share their perspectives on the cabinet composition and government priorities regarding healthcare, particularly for children and their families in Canada.

The discussion offers insight into how the new political landscape may impact the federal approach to health policy, funding, and system reform. Flieler and Armour reflect on what advocates can anticipate from the new cabinet, where children’s health might fit within broader government priorities, and how to seize emerging opportunities to keep children’s health on the national policy agenda.

Find the full podcast episode here: Federal Election 45 Results: Impact on children, their health, and healthcare.

SPARK: Action | December 2024

Championing Child Health: Driving Policy and Advocacy Forward

At Children’s Healthcare Canada, we remain steadfast in our commitment to improving the health and well-being of children and youth across the country through strategic partnerships, impactful advocacy, and evidence-based recommendations.

This month, we are proud to highlight our recent advocacy efforts, collaborations, and legislative engagements aimed at advancing child health priorities.

In this issue:

Achieving Child and Youth Mental Health Parity: A Roundtable Discussion with Senator Sharon Burey

On October 2, Senator Sharon Burey convened a virtual roundtable discussion on mental health parity with Children’s Healthcare Canada’s Child and Youth Mental Health Network Co-Chairs (Kyle Graham, Sharlynne Burke and Maureen Brennan), and Pediatric Chairs of Canada past-President, Dr Andrew Lynk. This consultation focused on addressing the fragmented and siloed nature of funding and delivery of mental health services across Canada.

There was resounding consensus on the urgent need to develop integrated care models that ensure seamless coordination and access to comprehensive mental health support for children and youth, particularly those in remote and underserved communities. Our system leaders underscored the importance of equitable service delivery and highlighted opportunities to strengthen care pathways.

Championing Child Health from Coast to Coast

Our member organizations continue to welcome elected officials to their facilities. These visits allow parliamentarians to connect with health system leaders, health researchers, front line providers, patients and their families, to see first hand some of the world class care and research taking place, and consider the impact of strategic investments, policies and programs to right-size health systems for kids.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like assistance in organizing a visit at your organization. Please reach out to advocacy@childhealthcan.ca

Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice, Ottawa, ON
The Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development
Member of Parliament for Kanata-Carleton

Minister Sudds had an opportunity to tour the hospice and discuss the vital role of pediatric palliative care for families. The team had a valuable discussion about the critical role that pediatric hospice palliative care and grief services play for families in the community.

PS Yasir Naqvi with staff from Roger Neilson Children's Hospice

PS Yasir Naqvi with a patient at Roger Neilson Children's Hospice

Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice - Yasir Naqvi
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
Member of Parliament for Ottawa- Centre

MP Yasir Naqvi also visited Roger Neilson House last month. This was an important opportunity to share their work and discuss the critical services they provide to infants, children, and youth with life limiting illnesses and their families.

Thank you to Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice for hosting Minister Sudds and PS Naqvi and his team!

Advocacy In Action: Mobilizing Child Health Champions

On October 9, Children’s Healthcare Canada hosted federal child health champions from the Parliamentary Child Health Caucus. Chaired by Senator Rosemary Moodie, the discussion centered on securing support and momentum to advance Bill S-282: National Strategy for Children and Youth Act, which seeks to establish a comprehensive national framework dedicated to improving child and youth outcomes.

Caucus members also reviewed key recommendations from the HESA Child Health Study and explored tangible actions to advance child health priorities. Together, we are building momentum to drive meaningful policy change for Canada’s children and youth.

Submissions to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health (HESA)

Children’s Healthcare Canada put forward written submissions to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health (HESA) on two important topics: the opioid and toxic drug crisis and the need to implement a national strategy on brain injuries. Thank you to our members and partners for their insights and expertise during the consultation process that informed these submissions.

Prioritizing a Child and Youth Lens in the Opioid Epidemic and Toxic Drug Crisis Study

We, along with our members, urge the Standing Committee on Health (HESA) to include a child and youth-centered perspective in its study on the opioid epidemic and toxic drug crisis. Our submission highlights the urgent need to advocate for the inclusion of a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to improving children’s mental health and substance use in this critical study. Find the full brief here: Submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health

Advancing Bill C-277, An Act to Establish a National Strategy on Brain Injuries

Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Pediatric Chairs of Canada unequivocally endorse Bill C-277, An Act to establish a national strategy on brain injuries. This critical piece of legislation, passed unanimously by the House of Commons on June 12, 2024, represents an unprecedented opportunity to address traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children, and its effects ripple across their entire lives. The implementation of Bill C-277represents a distinct opportunity to radically improve the health and well-being of Canadian children affected by brain injuries.

Read our submission here: Submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health

Advocating for Inclusive Policies: Addressing Threats to Gender-Affirming Care in Alberta

Children’s Healthcare Canada strongly opposes proposed legislation in Alberta that seeks to“prohibit minors from receiving certain types of gender-affirming care, require parents be notified when a child wants to use a different name or pronoun in the classroom, and also require that parents opt-in before their children are taught about sex in class.” 

We urge the Alberta government to engage with healthcare professionals and youth to develop more inclusive policies that protect the well-being of all children.

Find the full statement here: Limiting Gender-Affirming Care for Children and Youth in Alberta

Driving Change for Children's Healthcare: Insights from MP Peter Julian at Executive Network Roundtable

On November 12, Children's Healthcare Canada convened a roundtable discussion with MP Peter Julian, NDP Health Critic and member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health (HESA). This conversation, hosted by our Executive Network, brought child health system leaders together to have a candid conversation with MP Julian about the health of Canada’s kids, and opportunities for federal leadership to advance a number of bills focused on children and health currently languishing in Parliament.

MP Julian agreed strong federal leadership is required and reflected on the urgent need to address systemic gaps in children’s healthcare. He outlined the NDP’s policy priorities for 2025 and beyond, which include investing in mental health services, reducing barriers to essential care, and investing in strategic measures to improve health outcomes for children and youth nationwide.

The discussion underscored a shared commitment to advancing innovative, evidence-based solutions to strengthen Canada’s children’s healthcare systems.

Partner Initiatives

National Health Organizations Present a Vision for Sustainable Healthcare

On November 4, representatives from Organizations for Health Action (HEAL), a coalition of 43 national health organizations, launched a consensus document outlining strategies to ensure the sustainability of Canada’s healthcare system. Key priorities include:

Addressing health human resource challenges
Investing in mental health
Promoting community-based care

Children’s Healthcare Canada supports the HEAL Consensus document and remains committed to advocating for a resilient healthcare system that meets the needs of future generations.

Supporting Bill C-63 to Protect Children from Online Harms

Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Pediatric Chairs of Canada have signed anOpen Letter to MPs, co-developed with a broad coalition of partners including Inspiring Healthy Futures, which calls for the advancement of Bill C-63: the Online Harms Act.

This legislation presents a critical opportunity to hold social media companies accountable for ensuring that online platforms are safe, supportive, and accessible for all young people. The growing risks of online harms, including cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and the impact on mental health effectsunderscore the urgent need for action. Find the full letter here: Bill C-63: Online Harms Act

Celebrating the Launch of the National Caregiving Caucus

We applaud the recent launch of the National Caregiving Caucus by our partners at the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence. This initiative marks a significant step forward in recognizing and addressing the vital needs of caregivers across Canada.

We know that caregivers play a central role in shaping the health and well-being of children, youth, and their families. That’s why we’re eager to explore opportunities for collaboration between the National Caregiving Caucus and our Parliamentary Child Health Caucus.

By working together, we can advocate for policies and programs that ensure children and youth have access to the care and support they need to thrive.

As momentum builds, Children's Healthcare Canada remains steadfast in our mission to champion the policies and investments needed to create a brighter, healthier future for all children and families across the country.

SPARK: Action | September 2024

Shaping the Future of Child and Youth Health

In this issue, we spotlight Children’s Healthcare Canada’s efforts to shape the future of child and youth health across the nation. From providing expert insights on youth mental health to the federal government, to advocating for critical investments in Budget 2025, our mission is clear: to ensure every Canadian child has access to the care they need. Recent site visits by MPs across our member hospitals highlight the profound impact of child health services, while Inspiring Healthy Futures continues to push for a national child health strategy. Plus, don't miss details on our upcoming Annual Conference in St. John's, where we’ll explore “Right-sizing Health Systems for Kids: Navigating to Brighter Futures".

In This Issue:

Driving Change: Children’s Healthcare Canada Lends Subject Matter Expertise to Federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

On July 30, Children’s Healthcare Canada joined Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Ya’ara Saks, along with the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Paediatric Society, the Canadian Psychological Association, the Canadian Association of Social Workers and the Canadian Nurses Association, in a roundtable discussion to inform the design of the new Youth Mental Health Fund.

In our remarks, we urged for a comprehensive and holistic approach to child and youth mental health with a focus on cross-sectoral collaboration, integration of services, sustainable funding and an emphasis on evidence-informed programs and services. Children’s Healthcare Canada also called for the expansion of existing programs and services and amplified the need to address child and youth mental health workforce and data challenges. Children’s Healthcare Canada will continue outreach and engagement with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions and continue to explore opportunities for direct engagement with our members.

Screenshot of the Zoom Roundtable with Minister Saks

Putting Families First: A Blueprint for a Healthier Canada in Budget 2025

Children's Healthcare Canada has submitted a pre-budget brief to the federal government, urging critical investments to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our nation’s children and youth. The submission outlines three key recommendations: a $1 million investment to develop a comprehensive pan-Canadian children’s strategy, $8 million annually to establish an Office of the Chief Children’s Health Officer, and a $10 billion commitment over ten years for dedicated funding to right-size children’s health systems (including funds earmarked for child health research). These investments are vital to ensuring that every child in Canada has access to the care they need to thrive, setting the foundation for a healthier and stronger future for all Canadian families.

Read the brief here: https://www.childrenshealthcarecanada.ca/en/news/putting-families-first-a-blueprint-for-a-healthier-canada-in-budget-2025.aspx

Championing Child Health: MPs Witness the Power of Children’s Healthcare Across Canada

Building on the momentum of Child Health Hill Day, several Members of Parliament had the opportunity to visit Children’s Healthcare Canada members across the nation. These visits provided MPs, including Peter Fragiskatos, Lisa Hepfner, Valerie Bradford, and Chad Collins, with an unfiltered view of the life-changing care that is delivered to Canada’s most vulnerable population—our children. Through these engagements, parliamentarians have witnessed first-hand the profound effects that strategic investments in child health can have, not just on individual patients and their families but on entire communities. These experiences powerfully underscore the urgent need for continued and enhanced federal commitment to child health, ensuring that every child in Canada receives the highest standard of care, regardless of where they call home.

As we continue to push for bold action and meaningful partnerships between government and healthcare providers, the unwavering support of our elected officials is vital to ensuring that every Canadian child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. If you are interested in hosting parliamentarians at your site, please contact us at nchari@childhealthcan.ca

Children’s Hospital at LHSC- MP Peter Fragiskatos

Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) was honoured to welcome Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Fragiskatos, London North Centre, for a tour of their children’s and women’s services on Friday, June 28. During the tour, MP Fragiskatos and his team were introduced to care providers and support staff in the Paediatric Family Resource Centre; Paediatric Epilepsy Program; Family Medicine Obstetrics Clinic; Maternal Fetal Medicine; Paediatric Critical Care Unit; Transport Team; Children’s Emergency Department; and Indigenous Healing Space. Together, they discussed the crucial role LHSC plays in supporting children, women, pregnant persons and families across a large geographic area that extends from Southwestern Ontario all the way up north to Thunder Bay.

McMaster Children’s Hospital- MP Lisa Hepfner

McMaster Children’s Hospital was pleased to welcome MP Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain to a site tour with leaders and teams. The team highlighted some of the critical services for children, youth and families, including adolescent medicine, eating disorders, mental health, women’s health, and the Midwifery Care Unit.

Photo of MP Lisa Hepfner visiting McMaster Children's Hospital

McMaster Children’s Hospital- MP Valerie Bradford

McMaster Children’s Hospital was delighted to welcome MP Valerie Bradford, Member of Parliament for Kitchener South- Hespeler to McMaster Children’s Hospital this week to discuss future opportunities in health care research, innovation, and how to expand children’s health to better support kids and families in our region and beyond.

Photo of MP Valerie Bradfords visit to McMaster Children's Hospital

McMaster Children’s Hospital- MP Chad Collins

McMaster Children’s Hospital was pleased to invite MP Chad Collins, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek for a site tour of the hospital. The team had an engaging discussion on the critical role of McMaster Children’s Hospital in the region and the response to some local challenges faced by youth and families, including emergency care, mental health services and Indigenous health supports.

Photo of MP Chad Collins' visit to McMaster Children's Hospital

Strengthening Child Health Partnerships: Inspiring Healthy Futures in the National Spotlight

Inspiring Healthy Futures (IHF), a network established by Children’s Healthcare Canada, the Pediatric Chairs of Canada, UNICEF Canada, and CIHR, is at the forefront of advocating for child health and wellness across the nation. Recently featured in an op-ed by The Hill Times, IHF highlighted the urgent need for a cohesive national child health strategy to measurably improve children’s health and wellbeing. By bringing together key stakeholders and amplifying shared calls to action, IHF is amplifying a conversation on the importance of strategic investments in the health and future of Canada’s children, ensuring that these issues remain a top priority for both policymakers and the public.

Read the Op-Ed in the Hill Times: https://www.hilltimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/072424_HT_1.pdf

To learn more about IHF please visit: https://www.inspiringhealthyfutures.ca/advocacy-updates

Screenshot of the Op-Ed in the Hill Times

Join us October 20th to 22nd in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador for our 2024 Annual Conference

Over the next two years, the Children’s Healthcare Canada Annual Conference will focus on our mission to "Right-sizing Health Systems for Kids". In 2024 we are Navigating to brighter futures. This year’s event aims to dissect the concept of right-sizing health systems. What resources, policies, and actions do we need in place to navigate through these complex relationships, issues, and systems?

In 2025 we tackle Creating the future together. The goal is to create a healthcare system that meets the needs of children and youth effectively. A 'Right-Sized' health system ensures timely access to integrated health services, tailored to each child's needs, aiming to maximize the potential for every child, youth and family in Canada. Whether you can join us for both events, or just one - each conversation, session, and big idea bring us one step closer to a Right Sized Health System for Healthy, Vibrant Children and Youth.

For more information, visit https://childhealthcan2024.eventscribe.net/index.asp

Promotional Graphic for ChildHealthCan2024

SPARK: Action | Hill Day Recap | June 2024

Child Health Hill Day 2024

Child Health Parliamentary Reception

On May 6th, 2024, Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Pediatric Chairs of Canada hosted a Child Health Parliamentary Reception as an opportunity to connect child health leaders, researchers, youth, and family partners with members of Parliament to discuss child health priorities, and in particular, to launch the Association’s new report: Beyond Bandaids: Delivering Healthcare Fit for Kids.

We would like to thank Federal Minister of Health, the Honourable Mark Holland and our Child Health Caucus Vice-Chair MP Adam van Koeverden for sharing opening such positive remarks and the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health for attending the reception. We would also like to acknowledge and thank our Parliamentary Child Health Caucus Chair, Senator Rosemary Moodie for hosting this event. It was delightful to see other Caucus members in attendance including MP Karen Vecchio (Vice-Chair), and MP Mike.

On behalf of Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Pediatric Chairs of Canada, thank you to all those in attendance, helping to elevate awareness and action to measurably improve children’s health and wellbeing!

On the Hill: Meetings with Members of Parliament

On May 7th, 2024, Children’s Healthcare Canada and the Pediatric Chairs of Canada convened child health system leaders across the country for our 3rd annual Child Health Hill Day. Together with our members, we had an opportunity to engage in discussions with 44 Members of Parliament, Senators and senior government officials over the course of 36 meetings. These meetings served as an opportunity to socialize recommendations for the federal government to improve children’s health outcomes in Canada. The recommendations were issued within the “Beyond Bandaids: Delivering Healthcare Fit for Kids” report which represents a collaboration between. Children’s Healthcare Canada and child health partners including the Canadian Paediatric Society, Canadian Association of Paediatric Nurses, and Pediatric Chairs of Canada.

Children’s Healthcare Canada received special mentions in both the Senate by Senator Rosemary Moodie and the House of Commons by MP Gord Johns (NDP). We look forward to continued collaboration with parliamentary leaders in our mission to “right-size” health systems for children and youth.

The links to both recordings can be found below:

Following the incredible reach and success of our Child Health Hill Day, Children’s Healthcare Canada will continue to engage parliamentarians, our child health caucus, and senior party officials to leverage the recommendations of the Beyond Bandaids report and visit Children’s Healthcare Canada members across Canada. To help connect your organization with interested parliamentarians, please contact Mishail at mbhatia@childhealthcan.ca.

SPARK: Action | April 2024

Championing Children's Health in Canada

In our latest newsletter, we're thrilled to spotlight the impactful advocacy efforts of Children's Healthcare Canada and our dedicated members!

In our latest update, we delve into the recent Child Health Ministerial Roundtable, where federal Minister of Health, the Honourable Mark Holland, emphasized the importance of a national strategy for children and youth, acknowledging the vital role of healthcare leaders in shaping policies that prioritize the well-being of our youngest citizens.

But our advocacy doesn’t stop there. From advocating for a right-sized healthcare approach to addressing workforce challenges, to championing the inclusion of child specific needs in National Pharmacare legislation, our members are at the forefront of driving change.

Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing advocacy efforts, including our upcoming "Child Health Hill Day" on May 7th, where we'll engage with policymakers to amplify the voices of children and youth in Canada's health agenda.

In this issue:

Children's Ministerial Roundtable

"Children's health is a priority for Canadians-it crosses all partisan boundaries and the public expects us to lead on it together”- Federal Minister of Health, Mark Holland

On April 5, 2024, Children’s Healthcare Canada was pleased to convene a roundtable discussion with federal Minister of Health, the Honourable Mark Holland. Children’s Healthcare Canada members presented an overview on the current state of child healthcare systems in Canada and shared our vision for a right-sized approach to healthcare that would measurably improve outcomes for children and youth in Canada.

Minister Holland acknowledged that a national strategy for children and youth would be well received by health leaders across the country. Minister Holland’s immediate priority for inter-governmental affairs is to address health workforce issues and he noted that children’s health needs must be a specific consideration in addressing workforce challenges. Minister Holland expressed his interest in engaging Children’s Healthcare Canada’s executive network on data and inter-operability, especially to understand patient perspectives and systems impact. Children’s Healthcare Canada will continue to engage the Minister of Health’s office and will follow up on opportunities to include child health as a priority in the federal Minister’s agenda. This will include exploring the establishment of a Data and Inter-Operability Working Group that would include representatives from the executive network.

A screenshot of a zoom call with Minister Holland and others.

Right-Sizing Canada’s Health Workforce for Children

This April, Children’s Healthcare Canada convened the Pediatric Chairs of Canada, the Canadian Pediatric Society, and the Canadian Association of Paediatric Nurses for a discussion with Deb Gordon, Interim CEO of Health Workforce Canada. Health Workforce Canada was established earlier this year as an independent, arms-length organization designed to work with the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canada Health Infoway and other organizations to improve collection and sharing of health workforce data. This meeting was an opportunity to highlight the unique characteristics of the child and youth health workforce and ensure their inclusion in national strategic planning.

Accurate data for workforce planning emerged as a central theme throughout the discussions and concerns were raised regarding the lack of knowledge on the number of pediatric sub-specialists that currently operate across the country and the difficulty in training more specialists without appropriate data. Other challenges included the grouping of the pediatric workforce under a single category in the current collection of data, rather than being divided up by sub-specialities and the lack of standardized training among all provinces and territories.

Health Workforce Canada will be convening their network between May and June to explore opportunities for enhancement of current data to enable forecasting and modelling and child health data could be incorporated into this review. We will continue to engage with Health Workforce Canada in discussions to incorporate child health perspectives within workforce planning, training, and data generation initiatives.

Status Quo is NOT an Option: A Vision to Inform a Future Fit for Kids

It’s time to transform Canada’s health-care systems, to measurably improve health outcomes of children and youth for generations to come.

If not now, when?

On February 13, 2024, iPolitics published an op-ed by Children’s Healthcare Canada to mark the one-year anniversary since the federal government signed an agreement of $198.3 billion with the provinces to improve health care across the country with dedicated health transfers aimed at addressing Canada’s ongoing health-care crisis. This agreement included an immediate one-time top-up of $2 billion to the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) to address immediate pressures on the health-care system, especially in pediatric hospitals and emergency rooms, and long wait times for surgeries”.

Despite recognizing the pressing need to address persistent gaps that exist in child health systems, there has been insufficient progress towards building capacity in children’s health systems.

To date, only two jurisdictions have announced plans to grow investments in children’s health services (ON and NS). Meaningful collaborative efforts between federal, provincial, territorial, Indigenous governments and healthcare leaders is essential to effect meaningful and sustainable change for Canada’s children and youth.

Find the full article here: Status Quo is Not an Option

National Pharmacare in Canada: Advancing a Right-Sized Pharmacare System for Kids

On February 29, 2024, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-64, An Act respecting pharmacare which advances the priorities for the implementation of a national universal pharmacare program in Canada. This framework establishes the core principles for the initial stage of a national universal pharmacare program which includes coverage for diabetes medication and contraception. This legislation is a promising step forward towards securing universal access to essential medications for all Canadians but more work is needed to ensure the distinct pharmaceutical needs of children and adolescents are prioritized through the addition of coverage for pediatric-specific medications and devices within this program

Find the full policy fact sheet here: National Pharmacare in Canada

PharmaWhere? Exploring the Future of Drug Coverage in Canada

CHSPR 2024 36TH Annual Health Policy Conference
March 5, 2024 | UBC Vancouver Campus

On March 5^th, Children’s Healthcare Canada attended the CHSPR PharmaWhere? Annual Health Policy Conference in Vancouver. The conference gathered leading experts policymakers, patient partners, industry leaders and researchers to explore the future of drug coverage in Canada at a time of significant policy development.

Key insights gleaned from the conference include the necessity of collaborative efforts between decision-makers and other strategic partners, the importance of evidence-based policy design, and the recognition of diverse perspectives in shaping and informing effective pharmacare solutions. Moving forward, further dialogue and research are essential to scale up and inform policy decisions and ensure equitable access to pharmaceuticals for all Canadians, including children. As Children’s Healthcare Canada continues to monitor recent policy advancements in implementing national pharmacare, we will utilize the insights and learnings from the CHSPR conference in our ongoing policy briefings.

No Child Elects to Wait: The Staggering Costs of Inaction

Children’s Healthcare Canada, in partnership with the Conference Board of Canada has released a research series highlighting the costs of prolonged delays in access to essential healthcare services for children. The first report (released in October 2023) examined the costs of delays in access to pediatric spinal surgery. The second report delved into children mental health services (specifically related to anxiety and depression). The reports highlight the staggering costs of inaction. The financial consequences linked to delays in children’s healthcare services, whether the $44.6 million in backlogs for pediatric spinal surgery, or the annual $4 billion expenditure for children and adolescents with anxiety and depression are profound.

We would like to acknowledge McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and One Child Every Child, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation for their contributions to these reports.

This work underpins Children’s Healthcare Canada’s upcoming “Beyond Band-Aids: Delivering Healthcare Fit for Kids” spring campaign, which is the culmination of a two-year focus on right-sizing children’s healthcare systems. The Beyond Band-Aids report (which will be released on May 6^th) articulates a vision and action plan to support health systems transformation to meet the needs of children, youth and their families. Stay tuned!

Find the full reports here:

Report 1: Pediatric Spinal Surgery for Scoliosis
Report 2: Timely Access to Mental Healthcare Services for Children and Youth in Canada

The cover of the Nurturing Minds for Secure Futures report. The cover shows a teenager walking down a long hallway.

On the Hill: Meetings with Members of Parliament

On April 2nd, 2024, the Policy team at Children’s Healthcare Canada had the opportunity to meet with Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, Yasir Naqvi to share recommended actions the Federal Government could take to improve the health of children and youth in Canada, and to support the healthcare systems that serve them. MP Naqvi underscored his commitment to helping Children’s Healthcare Canada grow awareness of the unique needs of children and youth in this country and has agreed to participate in our forthcoming “Child Health Hill Day” May 7^th.

Organizations for Health Action (HEAL) Member Meeting

On Thursday March 14th, Children’s Healthcare Canada attended a HEAL member meeting in Ottawa. HEAL is a coalition of 40 national health organizations dedicated to improving the health of Canadians and the quality of care they receive. Members shared current health system priorities and challenges experienced by front-line health workers with special guest MP Naqvi and discussed how the HEAL collective could continue working together with the federal government to promote health system transformation and reshape health care at the national level.

Parliamentary Child Health Caucus

In 2023, Children’s Healthcare Canada launched a Parliamentary Caucus to build awareness of children’s health and align health system priorities with federal policy and investments to measurably improve children’s health and health care systems in Canada. We are working closely with Caucus members on key activities and priorities to advance children’s health in Canada. We look forward to collaborating with caucus members to host our annual Child Health Reception and Hill Day on May 6-7, 2024.