Health Services Committee Briefing Notes – November 29, 2024

Ageing at Home

A chart in the form of a checklist will be developed to show the services available in different provinces. It will show wait times, access to primary care services, vaccinations, and other areas as may be decided by the committee.
A one-pager is being developed on Ageing at Home, one of the key issues identified by ACER-CART that will be included as one of the seniors’ issues of importance in the forthcoming Federal election brochure.
The brochure can be used as a resource to facilitate voters to become familiar with the issues and to evaluate the platforms of the political parties.
Revisions to the document will be presented at the next Political Advocacy Committee meeting.

McMaster Optimum Ageing Portal

Anthony Levinson from the McMaster Optimum Ageing Portal has contacted the president of ACER-CART to enlist our participation in the Dementia project.
Their specific request was ACER-CART as a knowledge partner – a two-year commitment to the Supportive Home & Community project.
A $500 in-kind donation would involve the distribution of research information with our membership.
A letter will be written confirming the participation of ACER-CART in the Internet-Based Interventions to Increase Knowledge of Dementia and Risk and Protective Factors: Expanding Reach and Impact in Equity-Deserving Communities and Knowledge Mobilization.

Representing ACER- CART in Public Venues

It is acceptable to promote our association with ACER-CART when we are taking part in local rallies or meetings with politicians.
The more collaborative efforts we engage in, the better it is for all.

Dental Care Plan

Letters of concern from ACER-CART have been written to the Minister of Health, (Mark Holland), Leader of the New Democratic Party, (Jagmeet Singh), Leader of the Official Opposition, (The Honourable Pierre Poilievre), Dr. Stephen Ellis, Chef du Bloc Québécois, (Yves François Blanchet) and the Prime Minister outlining concerns with the Canadian Dental Plan as it currently exists.
A response has indicated the eligibility for the CDCP will be reassessed annually.
A second letter will inquire who will be doing the reassessment and the timeline for such.

Pharmacare

Advocating for the expansion of greater drug coverage plus the coverage of more expensive medications will continue.
The program will be overseen by scientists and doctors, not businesses, or those with connections to big pharma.
Not all provinces have signed onto the Pharmacare program.

Working Canadian Rebate

This rebate does not apply to most seniors. To be covered under the rebate, you must have had a T4 in 2023.
Currently the NDP is refusing to approve the $250 rebate unless all seniors and vulnerable Canadians are included.

Next Meeting: February 25, 2025, by zoom