Speech for the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, World Health Assembly

May 21, 2012
Geneva, Switzerland

Check Against Delivery

Mister/Madam President; Dr Chan; honourable ministers; distinguished delegates; Canada is pleased to be a part of the 65th session of the World Health Assembly.

The central issue for our consideration at this gathering is that of universal coverage. On this subject, there can be no doubt as to Canada's position; we remain committed to a publicly-financed system that ensures all Canadians benefit from access to health services based on need, not the ability to pay.

All countries have the responsibility to develop health systems that will deliver essential services to their entire populations. We need to have accountability for results in order to ensure services are delivered in a cost-effective way that leads to better and more equitable health outcomes.

We know that one of the key attributes of a health system that performs well is its ability to provide maternal care. That is why we encourage Member States to accelerate their progress on maternal, newborn and child health, and continue to strengthen their health systems for the benefit of all.

Universal coverage is not just about treating disease; it is also about having an integrated health system that promotes good health. Canada recognizes that this includes a health system that adequately responds to the promotion of mental health and the prevention of mental illness.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada recently developed our first national mental health strategy. We have also announced a $5 million investment to develop a national network of patient-focused depression research and intervention centres. Canada is therefore pleased that the development of a global plan of action on mental health will be considered.

A health system that supports health promotion and prevention is also critical to addressing Non-communicable diseases. As Minister of Health, I am committed to moving forward on the Political Declaration on Non-communicable Diseases, including the development of a global monitoring system to track progress.

In addressing Non-Communicable Diseases, traditional foods are important to food security and healthy eating. They are significant for indigenous people everywhere, including Canada. A diet including traditional foods has been associated with lower levels of heart disease and diabetes.

Canada is also funding research through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and sharing best practices for fighting NCDs through the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases Initiative.

Strong regulatory and legislative frameworks are essential to protecting health. In this regard, Canada has recently invested in strengthening our food safety system with an additional $51 million over two years for key food safety initiatives.

We are pleased with the progress noted in the WHO report to implement the resolution to advance food safety initiatives that was adopted by Member States in 2010.

This WHA session is particularly important because we will be making important decisions that will shape the future of the WHO. Canada recognizes the essential role of the World Health Organization in enhancing global health. It is in the interest of all Member States that the WHO be a strong, effective and efficient organisation that is able to respond to the most pressing health needs.

Canada would like to see the WHO continue to be the world's leading technical health agency, and use its power and influence to foster international cooperation on global health. This is particularly important in relation to the WHO's role in setting global standards for health in our increasingly interconnected world.

In closing, Canada looks forward to continuing to work with all Member States in building a WHO that is responsive and effective in addressing the global health challenges of the 21^st century.

Thank you.