Health Care and Staying Healthy
Health for everyone
When asked, one issue Canadians often cite as being incredibly important is health care. With the foundation of our Medicare system by then premier Tommy Douglas, New Democrats have been key supporters of moving that conversation forward.
While a universally accessible, public healthcare system is paramount to maintain, we also believe in furthering this by the inclusion of a fully funded, public pharmacare, essential dental and vision system. This also pertains to all migrant workers when they arrive in the province.
In addition to these, additional avenues of care, interdisciplinary, collaborative models of practice which utilize the expertise of a broad range of personnel, including nurse practitioners, pharmacists and physiotherapists needs to be addressed.
Action and Education
To assist a healthier Prince Edward Island, health promotion and prevention should be a priority. This includes improving access to programs and activities (nutrition, exercise, etc) that support healthy living
Women’s Health
The NDP PEI are strong advocates for women’s issues on PEI. The NDP PEI women’s commiittee has brought forth key party policies regarding health concerns.
Legislation, certification and regulation to allow publicly-funded midwifery services, and full access to publicly-funded, comprehensive medical and surgical abortion services are just two of these policies.
Sexual orientation and gender identity
As of May, 2020, the party has formed the new SOGI committee, focusing on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Even before establishing this committee, the NDP PEI we’re focusing on policies to advocate. In 2019, we established that a full range of services to meet the health needs of transgender people, including access to hormone replacement therapy, clear policies and procedures for coverage of transgender surgeries, and qualified personnel to provide assessments and monitoring.
For both of these committees and an improved quality of health for all Islanders, we also stand for Investment in public education about positive sexuality and consent, sexual and reproductive health
Sex health services
In conjunction with the expanded pharmacare service, we want to see coverage of contraceptive drugs and devices included as well. Comprehensive programs that meet the needs of all people living with or at risk of HIV infection, including harm reduction (needle exchange/peer-to-peer outreach and support); and anonymous HIV testing
Our seniors
In 2020, COVID-19 highlighted the severe lack of accountability for our long-term care facilities. In addition to our expanded health care services, we believe an Island-wide system of public long-term care facilities and sufficient investment in home care programs are needed to ensure that Island seniors have access Health Care and Staying Healthy
We want to hear from you
We want Islanders to be included in the direction of NDP policy. Drop us a line and let work with us to build a better PEI.
What we’re saying about health
Pay Our Community Care Workers Their Due
Community Care workers provide for the Island’s elderly population across the province at private nursing homes and are on the very front line in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In Quebec and other parts of Canada the highest toll in both COVID-19 infections and fatalities has been in Community Care seniors’ homes. For this…
COVID-19: Islanders helping Islanders
As Islanders face the threat of COVID-19, our usual way of interacting with each other and doing business has drastically changed. Our trusted health authorities wisely advise us to avoid unnecessary contact and adhere to appropriate social distance. Although our natural instinct is to be close to our friends and neighbours, under these circumstances the…
UPEI Medical Faculty is an opportunity for all Islanders: Byrne
For Immediate Release Charlottetown December 11, 2019… “President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz is providing a great service for Islanders in doing background work for a medical faculty at UPEI. It is now time for Premier Dennis King to endorse this essential project”, says Joe Byrne, Leader of the Island New Democrats. “With 15,000 Islanders currently in need…
Continue Reading UPEI Medical Faculty is an opportunity for all Islanders: Byrne
No Midwife User Fees
The Guardian (Charlottetown)9 Jul 2019 I am very happy to hear that midwives will be licensed to practice on P.E.I. in the near future. Congratulations to all who advocated for this and to the government for moving forward with this safe and personal health care to expectant mothers. It was alarming to hear Mr. Aylward…