Associations representing doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers in Canada are calling on governments to work together to solve the healthcare crisis affecting people across the country. The Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Nurses Association, and HealthCareCAN, an association representing health organizations and hospitals, have issued a list of steps the government must take to reform the country's healthcare system.

Also, the "Prescription for Hope" list issued on Friday includes establishing a nationwide licensing model across Canada to allow doctors to work anywhere in the country, enhancing mental health and supporting the well-being of healthcare workers, assisting internationally trained health professionals in obtaining licenses to fill vacant positions, and implementing a national workforce planning strategy. Alyk LaFontaine, president of the Canadian Medical Association, said healthcare systems across the country face similar challenges, and governments must cooperate to address these challenges, adding: "Canadians have begun to wonder whether their health systems will be there when they need them. Healthcare workers and patients unite in calling on governments to take the necessary steps to stabilize and rebuild our health systems to ensure their survival."

Canadian Nurses Association president Sylvain Brousseau said the shortage of nurses and other workforce issues have a severe impact on the healthcare system, and the government must act urgently and introduce structural reforms before people lose confidence in the system. Brousseau said: "The Canadian healthcare system is failing people in Canada, and it no longer works the way it should. People are rapidly losing confidence and are worried they will not be able to access vital health services when they need them."

In addition, the associations' calls come ahead of the meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial health ministers in Vancouver next week. The meeting will come at a time when the healthcare system faces unprecedented challenges with emergency department closures and reported staffing shortages across the country.