Palliative care in Canada

 “A Good Death” is an online series co-production by CBC News with students from the Graduate Program in Journalism at Western.
“This series provides an opportunity to explore what makes a good end-of-life journey, how attitudes and practices are evolving, and what changes are needed to put palliative care on the public agenda. It also shows how, in a world devoted to longevity, we are failing in Canada to meet the needs of the dying.”
Occupational therapists as health professionals work in palliative care and are interested in this public conversation about the state of dying in Canada. They are concerned with the variations in quality palliative care.
Follow the series at http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2011/05/04/f-milestogo-project-overview.html

Your Choice!

In this last blog before election day, I wanted to reprint a message I read in the Hill Times this morning which brings all the activities and efforts of the last few weeks down to a fundamental principle-  the government that will be in place on May 3^rd is our choice.

 Armine Yalnizyan, a senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives started out an article with the following:

“Every election campaign is like a job interview. Voters listen and watch candidates as they show what they’ll bring to the job, with style and substance. Whether Harper, Ignatieff or Layton, remember to go back to the resumé before you make the hire.”

We have all had a chance to hear from the candidates seeking the job to represent us. CAOT has provided summaries of the platforms as well as messages important to the profession.

Now it is up to you! You are the employer! Make your voice heard by voting on May 2^nd and encourage those around you to also vote!

Half way there

May 2^nd is coming fast. We have heard from the leaders in two debates and most of the news has centered on the leaders of the major political parties. According to the Hill Times, the campaign has been leader centric. In Canada our electoral process means that we choose our representative- our Member of Parliament and the leader of the party winning the most seats becomes the “leader “of our country. However, this campaign has been very different with all political parties focusing on particular ridings where seats are being competitively sought after. In early communication CAOT identified the key swing ridings – those that are not forgone conclusions.

In these last two weeks, it is important to continue to push the following occupational therapy messages:

1.       That people of all ages living with mental health problems and illnesses are actively engaged and supported in their journey of recovery and well-being and that these people have access to occupational therapists to help them with their journey.

2.       That all Canadian Forces personnel and Veterans have access to the same level of care no matter where they live in Canada,- care that includes the professional services of occupational therapists.

3.       That the significant inequities in health status and health access experienced by many Aboriginal peoples through a collaborative and respectful process with Aboriginal health leaders and key stakeholders.

It is also important for us to have our voices heard. Don’t forget to vote and encourage family, friends and clients to also express their opinion at the polls.

FYI- you don’t have to wait until May 2^nd to vote. There are advance polls, mail in votes and you can vote anytime at your local Election Canada returning office. For more information, check out www.elections.ca

Public Health and the Federal Election

Where is "public health" in the debates and electoral platforms? Let the occupational therapist's voice be heard in support of public health!

A federal election offers an opportunity for members of the public health community to assess the platforms of all federal political parties and to question the candidates on how each party intends to address public health issues. As a  member of the public health coalition, CAOT suggest you check out the Campaign 2011 site which is designed to brief you as to what should be on the political parties’ radar.

Be involved!

Ensuring your voice is heard

Three weeks from today, on May 2^nd, a majority of eligible voters who cast their votes will elect the next Government of Canada – our federal government.  In the 2008 federal election, voter turnout, at just 59.1 per cent was the lowest in Canadian history.  Will the turnout in 2011 be even lower?

Please consider CAOT election messages by sharing them with the candidates in your riding and by comparing the platforms and positions of the parties and the character of those who aspire to lead the Government of Canada – our government. 

Also get out to vote and encourage others in your family and in your workplace to get out to vote. Our voices must be heard.

Parlez santé

Nous sommes maintenant dans la deuxième semaine de campagne électorale sans un mot sur la question de santé. Un rapport de l’Institut C. D. Howe indique que les coûts associés aux services de santé sont en croissance agressive mais nos candidats sont silencieux sur le sujet. Le coût par personne en 2008 était 4 900 $ et maintenant il est de 10 700 $.   

Comme ergothérapeutes, vous  avez une responsabilité de demander aux candidats ce qu’ils prévoient envers l’Accord sur la santé qui prend fin en 2014.

Silence on health care

As we move into the second week of the election campaign, the subject of health care has not been addressed. A recent report from the C.D. Howe institute suggest the health care spending  could rise to almost 19 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product by 2031 compared to the 2009 level of 12 per cent unless politicians turn their attention  to the growing health care spending. The report shows that currently Canada is spending $10,700 per person when two years ago expenditures were $4,900 per capita.

As occupational therapists concerned about the well-being of Canadians, we  have to remind the candidates that health care is a priority and that they need to tell Canadians what how they will deal with the current Health Accord which will expire in 2014.