Newfoundland & Labrador 2015 Election Campaign

The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network is once again asking questions of the parties and candidates during the Newfoundland & Labrador election campaign; their responses can be found in this section.

We hope that this information will help you when you direct your concerns to your provincial representatives.

To become involved in CCSN’s political advocacy campaigns, please contact jmanthorne@survivornet.ca

Questions:

1. The Canadian Medical Association Journal published research in 2012 that showed one in ten Canadians report they skip doses or decide not to fill prescriptions because of cost, with the second highest incidence of cost non adherence happening in the Atlantic Provinces.

If elected to government, what will your party do to make prescription medications more affordable?

2. A key element of ensuring timely treatment for a cancer patient is ensuring they have access to the medications they need at the time they need them. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in Newfoundland and Labrador.

If elected to government, will you:

a)      Commit to ensuring that all cancer patients in Newfoundland and Labrador receive timely access to medications at the time they need it?

b)      Undertake negotiations leading to regional or national collaboration to ensure timely patient access to cancer drugs?

3. Every citizen of Newfoundland and Labrador should receive the same high-quality, publicly delivered health care available to all Canadians.  If elected, how will your party ensure that this happens

Progressive Conservative Association Of Newfoundland and Labrador Inc.

PO Box 8551s 20 Hallett Crescent s St. John’s, NL s A1B 3P2

Phone: (709) 753-6043 s Fax: (709) 753-6059 s Email: info@pcpartynl.ca

November 26, 2015

Thank you for your letter related to cancer care and health care in Newfoundland and Labrador. I am a cancer survivor, and I share your determination to improve the care we provide to people who are battling cancer.  Let me answer your three questions.

Question 1 response:

It is absolutely unacceptable for any cancer patient to skip medication or treatment because of cost. We have a program called the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program that covers the costs of medications and treatments for those who cannot afford them. We provide help to families so they do not have to pay a disproportionate amount of their income to cover treatment costs.  We are working with other provinces on joint approaches to bring down the costs of medications.  We believe it is time for the Federal Government to come to the table as a partner for national pharmacare. Working together nationally, we can find ways to bring those costs down and ensure that no patient is unable to afford medication or treatment.  This is not an issue we are prepared to leave unaddressed.

Question 2 response:

I agree that every patient should have timely access to the medications that patient is prescribed. We will find out when and where patients are being denied timely access to medications, and we will fix it.  The function of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program and indeed of our public health care system is to ensure that people get treatment when they need it. Where the system has shortcomings, we will identify those shortcomings and address them – collaboratively, effectively and swiftly. We have already engaged in discussions regionally and nationally about ensuring timely and affordable access to medications patients need, and we will step up these efforts with the new Federal Government as we drive for a national pharmacare program.  We are making progress incrementally, and we will continue to push for an acceptable national pharmacare program.

Question 3 response:

I agree that every citizen of Newfoundland and Labrador should receive the same high- quality, publicly delivered health care available to all Canadians.  In some health care procedures, we are in fact leading the country, and we have set our targets just as high for other health care procedures, including cancer care, cardiac care, mental health care and so forth.

Our province now has in place a cancer strategy.  The details are accessible on our government’s website /gov.nl.ca/ which states that “Gaining Ground: A Provincial Cancer Control Policy Framework for Newfoundland and Labrador” was released on November 2, 2010.  “This Framework outlines the Provincial Government’s response to the burden of cancer in the province and provides a foundation upon which government, the regional health authorities and community-based organizations can build specific action plans with a strategic focus on advancing and improving cancer control in Newfoundland and Labrador.  The goal of the Framework is to provide key policy directions that will be used to guide cancer control efforts in the province in the coming years: Cancer Prevention Through Promoting a Healthy Population; Identifying Individuals at Risk; Coordinating Care; Supportive and Palliative Care; Clinical Practice Guidelines; Access and Advocacy; Surveillance and Information Systems and Technology; Education and Training; Accountability and Measuring Success.”

On March 29, 2015, the Minister of Health and Community Services provided an update on the Cancer Control Policy Framework.  He highlighted several initiatives and achievements.  “In 2011, we introduced a ban on smoking in vehicles with a passenger present who is under the age of 16.  Between 2013 and 2014 we brought in further changes to more closely regulate tanning bed facilities, to cover the costs of smoking cessation medications for people with low income, and to expand the province’s Colon Cancer Screening Program.  The Provincial Government has also made achievements in recent years with respect to diagnosis, treatment and support of those with cancer, as well as their families and support networks.  In 2011, we launched the Cancer Patient Navigator Program to provide support to patients and their families by helping them access a variety of medical and community services in a timely and efficient manner.  In 2012, we supported the launch of the Cancer Transitions: Moving Beyond Treatment program, which provides invaluable support to cancer survivors and empowers them as they transition from active treatment to post-treatment.  Tele-oncology has also seen increased uptake in recent years as cancer specialists have offered patient consultations through Telehealth.  And finally, we have made strategic investments in reducing endoscopy wait times and waitlists to ensure residents can more quickly and easily access these diagnostic services.  We continue to strive for increased awareness and cancer prevention, while at the same time working as a government to find new ways to mitigate risks and provide timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and support.”

As the Minister stated in October, “since 2004, our government has allocated over $184 million for cancer programs and services.” This year, we are investing nearly $3 billion in health care: http://www.budget.gov.nl.ca/budget2015/releases/health_wellness.pdf

I encourage everyone to review our health care policies for the term ahead, which are outlined in our Blueprint at /Davis15.ca/ and in our 2015 Budget and Throne Speech at /gov.nl.ca/

Thank you for providing this opportunity to address an issue that is very important to me personally and to every family in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Best wishes.

PAUL DAVIS

Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador

If elected to government, what will your party do to make prescription medications more affordable?

The Slogan for my campaign is “FOR THE PEOPLE” . As an individual candidate I am a firm believer that there should be equal opportunity for every Newfoundlander and Labradorian to receive the best possible health care. As the elected MHA for Humber-Gros Morne, I will work hard on behalf of any person who requires medication(s) in order to have a healthier life. If that means subsidizing medical costs, I will work hard on their behalf. If elected our government has committed to provide affordable prescription drugs to thousands of people and expand offerings where required and possible. Our government will take a lead role nationally in advocating for national prescription drug improvements.

Will you commit to ensuring that all cancer patients in Newfoundland and Labrador receive timely access to medications at the time they need it?

As I said in the previous response, I believe that everyone should have access to proper health care. We certainly know what happens to patients if they do not get proper medications in a timely manner. I commit to doing whatever is in my power to help any resident of my district to receive proper health care, whether that is hospital care, medications, etc. that they need. I have committed to the residents of this district that any inquiry to my office will be responded to within twenty-four hours. That initial call will set a process to address the concern and or need being presented.

Will you commit to undertake negotiations leading to regional or national collaboration to ensure timely patient access to cancer drugs?

I believe that collaboration and consultation is the key to finding the solution to any problem. We must work together with all stakeholders to ensure all involved are informed and together can make collective recommendations to improve access to cancer drugs.

Every citizen of Newfoundland and Labrador should receive the same high-quality, publicly delivered health care available to all Canadians. If elected, how will your party ensure that this happens?

I am elected to represent every resident within my district. I am confident that if my government is elected and given the mandate to govern for the next four years, they to will represent every resident in this province. The plan laid out by this government committs to ensuring that every resident is taken care of.

Graydon Pelley

Thank you,

I am currently dealing with my daughter receiving chemo treatment and I know personally she is being well look after by our medical system here in Newfoundland Labrador.

I am also aware that our current PC government has many programs available to assist those in need when it comes to medical care and medication.

I also know many families who have love ones suffering from cancer and who have asked the cancer society for help and have receive none.

Thank you for your understanding.

Ron Jesseau

Question 1 response:

Liberals recognize that in order to have a meaningful impact on cancer rates and outcomes, we need a coordinated and collaborative effort to improve access and engage people in becoming informed and active partners in caring for their health. The human and financial costs of cancer are steadily increasing. Concerted action on cancer is crucial to healthcare system sustainability.

Liberals recognize that while cancer transcends employment status, income level and geography, we know these factors greatly influence one’s access to prescribed drugs, treatments and therapies. We recognize the role that adherence plays in improving health outcomes and reducing or avoiding hospital admissions and readmissions. We are ever committed to evidence?based decision making, and we look forward to sitting down with stakeholders like the Canadian Cancer Society?Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network, to discuss improved access to prescription medications.

Despite spending almost 40 cents of every dollar on healthcare, our province has some of the worst health outcomes. We need to take a smarter approach to managing and delivering healthcare in our province.

Question 2 response:

Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest rate of mortality due to cancer amongst provinces. Liberals recognize that timely access to medications is crucial to improving health outcomes.  We look forward to a productive and progressive relationship with the federal government, something our province has been missing for a decade. We will collaborate with the federal government on matters of importance, such as a national pharmacare program.

Question 3 response:

With the fastest aging population in Canada and deaths outpacing births, the demographic reality of our province at present is a shrinking tax base to support the system.  Add to that the lowest population density amongst provinces and the associated costs of that geographic spread, and we can begin to understand the struggle for healthcare dollars in Newfoundland and Labrador. People are living longer today, and longevity is pressuring healthcare systems across our country and beyond.

A New Liberal Government will work to improve healthcare access by:

·    Conducting a thorough review of all legislation and regulations covering health professionals to identify ways to allow healthcare professionals to work to their full scope of practice. Changes resulting from this review will streamline primary care, improve patient care, and build a more efficient system. Liberals believe that allowing healthcare professionals to work to their full scope of practice provides an optimal opportunity to enhance a patient’s access to care.

·    Developing regional primary healthcare teams. Liberals believe that an efficient and innovative primary healthcare approach can maximize healthcare dollars, help address recruitment and retention in more rural and remote regions, and improve health outcomes, resulting in a healthier population. Unlike the current PC government, that has budgeted no new money for primary healthcare initiatives, a New Liberal Government will invest an additional $15.5 million for primary healthcare on top of the existing budgetary envelope.

·    Developing a health promotion and healthy living strategy. This strategy will invest in health promotion, healthy living programs, and early intervention, which will reduce acute healthcare costs in the longer term and achieve a healthy population in our province.

·    Developing a Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Program to enhance early detection and screening, as well as treatment by primary healthcare teams working on the front lines of chronic disease management.

·    Launching an Innovative Youth Wellness Program, which will include health risk assessments and wellness coaching in schools, empowering schools to be available for after?school physical education programming, and establishing regional adolescent health clinics. Liberals will invest $14.25 million in this new program, which includes $1 million for an anti?smoking campaign targeted at youth.

Through smarter spending and sustainable investments, Liberals have a plan to improve health and healthcare that is dedicated to better access, better outcomes, and better health for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Our comprehensive plan will include measurable goals and milestones, and a strong emphasis on public reporting and accountability.

The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN)

November 28, 2015

Thank you for your letter concerning our position on cancer care in the province. The NDP believes that cancer drugs should be available to and covered for all Canadian residents no matter where they live. We have a patchwork of coverage across the country, and it’s clear that the Atlantic Provinces are falling behind.

Our understanding is that Newfoundland and Labrador has poor coverage for oral cancer treatments that can be taken at home instead of through costly IV procedures in hospital. We recognize that prescription drug costs are rising and governments need to keep manage those costs, this should not be done on the backs of families who cannot get enough coverage through private insurance or NLPDP. It is entirely unacceptable that any Canadian should have to go into debt – or choose between necessary Cancer treatment and making ends meet – simply because of the part of the country they live in.

We are aware that other provinces are covering oral cancer treatments, and that this kind of coverage can reduce strain on overburdened healthcare workers and save public money in the long run.

The New Democratic Party is committed to working with organizations and other stakeholders to identify where improvements can be made in cancer drug coverage. We will also lobby the federal government for a national pharmacare program so all Canadians can have equal access to the medications they need.

Sincerely,

 

Earle McCurdy

Leader, NL NDP

New Democratic Party of Newfoundland and Labrador

PO Box 8700 Stn A, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6 (709) 739-6387