Health Care Reform and Politics Blog

Weighing the merits of the Proposed 2016 Ontario Physician Services Agreement

Posted on July 25, 2016

A lot has been made about the acrimonious relationship between Ontario physicians, their negotiating arm, the Ontario Medical Association and the Ontario government, particularly over the last year and a half. As essential partners in the delivery of healthcare to all Ontarians, physicians have long

Government must engage with physicians to ensure the future of Ontario Healthcare

Posted on October 25, 2015

When the current impasse between the OMA and Ontario Ministry of Health started in January I wrote an early response. Fundamentally the  healthcare system in which we work and try to improve and build upon is in need of repair. A public that assumes that 'free healthcare' can continue in a

Ontario's Healthcare Debate faces a Critical Crossroad

Posted on January 18, 2015

News came on Thursday that the comprehensive negotiations between the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care and the Ontario Medical Association had come to a halt. On the surface these were negotiations to facilitate a new physicians’ payment agreement. In actuality, Ontario physi

A night with our ex PM Paul Martin. Physicians need to lead the way in reshaping Canadian Healthcare

Posted on November 10, 2014

I was recently asked to attend a fundraiser by my colleague and friend Dr.Jane Philpott. For those who don't know, she is a highly respected physician who has decided to enter federal politics. She is the Liberal candidate in the riding of Markham-Stouffville. It has long been said that there are a

Complacency is Biggest Threat to Canadian Health Care System

Posted on May 12, 2014

Canadians enjoy a health care system that at some levels is the envy of the world.    No one has to worry about  enduring financial hardship when faced with a serious illness.  Our healthcare systen is built with an eye to the five priniciples of public administration, universali