Statement
May 1, 2023
Today is National Doctors’ Day, a day to recognize the enormous contributions that doctors and medical residents make every day to support the health and well-being of people across Canada.
In recent years, doctors have carried an even greater burden. Like many of our frontline healthcare workers, they have worked long hours, experienced burnout and fatigue at an increasing rate, and faced threats and harassment while caring for their patients.
If you are a physician who is struggling, or recognize others who are struggling, know that free online mental health and substance use resources are available. Visit the Wellness Together Canada Portal or download its PocketWell companion app. These services can help you as you support others.
We know there is an urgent need to address the current healthcare worker crisis and without a sustainable, efficient and resilient healthcare workforce, Canadians are unable to access and receive the quality care they need, when and where they need it. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting and strengthening Canada’s publicly funded and universal health care system, so that doctors have the time and resources they need to provide the best possible care.
We are working with provinces and territories, as well as the Coalition for Health Workers Action and other key partners to address the challenges of the health workforce. The 2023 budget outlined the Government of Canada’s plan to invest nearly $200 billion to improve healthcare for Canadians, including a focus on efforts to support a resilient healthcare workforce through retention, recruitment and planning. In addition, it will support more team-based models of care and leverage new technologies to improve access to healthcare for Canadians and support our healthcare workforce in carrying out their jobs.
We have also expanded Canada’s student loan forgiveness program for doctors and nurses working in underserved rural or remote communities and have introduced measures to make it easier for foreign doctors to enter as permanent residents. These important actions, along with significant investments in Budget 2023 and ongoing work with provinces, territories, and health partners, will help us continue to identify both immediate and long-term solutions to address the challenges workers face. Of the health.
Today, we recognize the tremendous work that physicians do to support our well-being. To all physicians, you are a source of inspiration and hope to your patients, their families, and all Canadians. On behalf of the Government of Canada, thank you for all you do.
The Honorable Jean-Yves Duclos, PC, MP
The Honorable Carolyn Bennett, PC, MP
Contacts
William Bertrand
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honorable Jean-Yves Duclos
Health Minister
613-957-0200
maja staka
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honorable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Deputy Minister of Health
343-552-5568
media relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
[email protected]