STATEMENT - CMA statement on Supreme Court decision re: Cambie Surgeries Corporation v British Columbia

OTTAWA, ON, April 6, 2023 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) acknowledges the Supreme Court of Canada's decision announced today that it will not hear the case of Cambie Surgeries Corporation, et al. v. Attorney General of British Columbia, et al.

While the Supreme Court will not rule on this specific case, the issue of ensuring Canadians receive timely access to care remains.

We are seeing growing discussion on privately funded care as patients struggle to gain access to care and health professionals continue to bear the burden of exhaustion and burnout. A wider public discussion on this matter is necessary.

The CMA reiterates its position that patients across Canada deserve to receive high quality health care in a timely fashion, regardless of their ability to pay. With an increase in federal health care funding, we urge governments across the country to continue to collaborate with each other, with health providers and with patients to implement innovations to improve access to care for Canadians. 

Dr. Alika Lafontaine 
President, CMA

The Canadian Medical Association leads a national movement with physicians who believe in a better future of health. Our ambition is a sustainable, accessible health system where patients are partners, a culture of medicine that elevates equity, diversity and wellbeing, and supportive communities where everyone has the chance to be healthy. We drive change through advocacy, giving and knowledge sharing ? guided by values of collaboration and inclusion.

SOURCE Canadian Medical Association