Prime Minister must call emergency meeting on healthcare crisis: CFNU

The chorus of calls continues to grow for immediate action to shore-up a Canadian healthcare system said to be at risk of collapse.

The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions says at the heart of the current healthcare crisis is a 'dire' shortage of nurses and other healthcare professionals.

“The Prime Minister needs to act and act fast,” said Linda Silas, President, Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions.

The CFNU is calling on the federal government to convene an emergency meeting with the provincial and territorial premiers to talk about 'critical priorities' including what it says is an urgent need for strategies aimed at retaining and recruiting more healthcare workers.

The group is also echoing a recent call from the country's provincial leaders for the federal government to commit more money to finding a fix.

“We need more federal funding but the federal funding needs to be attached to a basket of solutions where the provinces or territories will be able to pick [which are right for them],” said Silas. “One thing that will work in your area won't work in downtown Vancouver but that's okay, we need a multitude and a multi-facet approach to this crisis.”

The premiers, however, have suggested they would like to see any increase in healthcare funding come without strings attached.

Silas suggested though the feds should be requiring all money be directed toward the root cause of the current crisis.

“The money has to be there but it has to be attached to an action plan on health and human resources.”

The CFNU has also organized a virtual letter writing campaign calling on Liberal government to take action.