Tobacco packaging, trans fats cuts planned for ‘activist’ Liberal agenda
Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott says the new Liberal government will pursue an “activist” agenda aimed at improving medicare and implementing measures to help Canadians make better choices — from diet to smoking — about their own health.
In an interview Thursday Philpott signalled that after a decade in which the previous Conservative government adopted more of a hands-off approach to health care, the Liberals will press ahead with “progressive” policies.
“I think it’s absolutely an activist agenda,” said Philpott, a Toronto physician who is a first-time MP.
“The health-care system needs some serious attention. It needs the commitment of a strong federal government that is going to do the work necessary to improve the system.”
“It’s widely understood that there are gaps in the system and it’s time for some transformation.”
Stephen Harper’s Conservatives made it clear they believed health care was a provincial responsibility and that following years of intrusion by federal Liberal governments, they would largely step aside.
Philpott acknowledged that “health care delivery” is in the domain of provinces and territories.
“But the federal government has an incredible important role,” she added.
“In part, we do provide funding for health care. But more importantly, we set the tone and we have a great deal to do with the priorities for Canadians.”
In the mandate letter Philpott has received from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, she was instructed that her “overarching goal will be to strengthen our publicly-funded universal health-care system and ensure that it adapts to new challenges.”
As part of that, Philpott will negotiate a “multi-year health accord” with provinces that sets out a “long-term” agreement on how much federal money is transferred.
According to the Liberals, that accord will include provisions to expand home care, improve patient access to necessary prescription drugs, provide better mental health services, and adopt new digital health technology so that patients get quicker and better care.
Philpott will meet with her provincial and territorial counterparts in January to begin discussions.
She will also enact measures that could spark complaints from the food industry and tobacco sector.
Among the initiatives being planned:
New restrictions on the commercial marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children, similar to those now in place in Quebec.
Philpott said Canadians want these measures and that she, as a physician, is “well aware” of the importance of children getting a healthy start in life.
“That begins with some of the real basics, like eating well and exercising and being proactive in our health.”
New regulations, similar to those in the United States, to eliminate trans fats and to reduce salt in processed foods.
Food labels will be improved to give more information on added sugars and artificial dyes in processed foods.
“Canadians need to take responsibility for their own health. But we have a role to play in helping to facilitate that by making sure that foods are well labelled and that they understand the fat and sugar and salt content in foods.”
The government will introduce new plain-packaging requirements, similar to those in Australia and the United Kingdom, for tobacco products.
Philpott said there is “strong evidence” the changes will reduce the number of people who smoke.
“It’s widely known, of course, the tremendous health risks associated with smoking. So I think we will forge ahead with that to make sure that we try to decrease the impact of smoking and decrease smoking rates in Canada.”
Marijuana will be legalized and regulated in a system designed to keep pot from children.
“It’s too early to define exactly how it’s going to look like. We’re going to be reaching out to provinces and territories and making sure that this is done in a highly responsible way.” Philpott will also work with the justice minister on a plan in response to the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision allowing physician-assisted suicide.