Advocates work to put health care on the radar as premiers meet in Ontario

OTTAWA — Health-care advocacy groups and associations representing doctors and nurses are in Ontario’s cottage country this week, trying to ensure health care remains a top priority for premiers.

The post-pandemic crisis in health care has taken centre stage at the Council of the Federation in recent years as premiers have pushed Ottawa for more funding.

This year, there’s a concern that staff shortages and long wait times will take a back seat as the premiers focus on trade and the economy.

The Canadian Medical Association, which represents physicians, is focusing its message on the health-care system’s footprint in the national economy.

CMA president Dr. Margot Burnell says she will be stressing that healthy communities are essential to a healthy economy.

The Canadian Nurses Association, meanwhile, is working to convince premiers to harmonize their licensing systems to break down interprovincial barriers to labour mobility.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025.