Carney Vows to Boost Number of Doctors, Pledges $4B to Build Health-Care Facilities
Liberal Leader Mark Carney has presented key planks of his health-care platform which includes $4 billion in new funding to build health-care infrastructure, as well as a plan to increase the number of doctors in the country through various measures such as increasing spaces in medical schools.
Carney made the announcement while visiting Charlottetown on April 21, one week before the general election is held.
The Liberal leader stayed on his message that Canada is facing the 'biggest crisis in our lifetime' due to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and said his plan to 'build Canada strong' has health care at its 'core.'
'In the U.S., health care is a big business. In Canada, it is a right,' Carney said. 'It is a right that my government will fight for and invest in.'
Carney said a Liberal government would spend $4 billion to build and renovate community health-care infrastructure such as long-term care homes and community clinics.
The Liberals' costed
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Carney's health plan also aims to increase the number of doctors in Canada by thousands to address the longstanding shortage. The Canadian Medical Association
Carney said he plans to increase the number of doctors by expanding medical school spaces, building new medical schools, recruiting more doctors internationally, and streamlining the recognition of credentials from foreign-trained doctors and nurses.
'So to the Canadian health-care professionals practicing in the U.S., let me say this: if you've been thinking about coming back to Canada, there's never been a better time to come home,' Carney said.
The Liberal platform has earmarked $750 million to expand medical schools and residency positions.
Carney has also pledged to reduce the administrative burden on doctors. Although specific details have not been released, the initiative is projected to incur a cost of $400 million over the next four years.
The College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Canadian Medical Association have
Women's Health
Carney has also pledged to continue funding abortion access by making the Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund Program permanent. He has earmarked $20 million annually in fiscal 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 for the program.
Carney also pledged to establish a federal in-vitro fertilization program worth $412 million over four years, which would cover up to $20,000 for a treatment cycle.
After mentioning these measures related to women's health, Carney said he would protect these rights by 'always standing and defending' the Charter, while accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of 'committing to override your constitutional rights.'
A reporter remarked to Carney that Poilievre has stated he would not use the notwithstanding clause in the Charter to go after abortion.
Poilievre said on April 11 he would not remove access to abortion if his party formed government.
'I can guarantee you there will be no laws restricting abortion passed when I'm prime minister,' said Poilievre. 'For 20 years, the policy of the Conservative Party has been that there will be no restrictions brought in on a woman's right to choose.'
Poilievre said last week he would use the notwithstanding clause of the Charter, section 33, to re-introduce a law allowing for mass murderers to serve consecutive prison sentences. The Supreme Court had deemed this
Poilievre has yet to release a broad health plan, but he has previously
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KixCare's Kix360° Membership Touches Down in Air Canada's Aeroplan eStore
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