Responses from the Electoral Candidates
Responses are arranged according to the date we received them. The first response received in each party appears at the top of that section.
Green Party of Canada individual candidate responses
Blair Visscher – Vernon-Lake Country-Monasheee
Nikida Steel – Vancouver East
Greg Hopkins – Nepean
Christine Kinnie - South Surrey, White Rock
Ben Homer-Dixon – Esquimalt-Saanich Sooke
Randall Emmons - Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan
Sheena Sharp - Don Valley West - ON
Carey Rutherford - Calgary East, AB
Fintan Harnett - Kingston and the Islands
Mark Vercouteren - Calgary East, AB
Karleigh Csordas - Brantford–Brant–South–Six Nations, ON
Prashanta Dhakal - Ottawa West-Nepean
Nicki Lyons-MacFarlane - Fredericton—Oromocto
Dalila Elhak - Beauport—Limoilou
Thaila Riden - Prescott-Russell-Cumberland
Otis Crandell - St. John’s East
Chris Markevich – Courtney-Alberni
Frédéric Morin-Paquette - Hull-Aylmer
From: Blair Visscher – Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee
Date: April 3, 2025 at 3:12PM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election – Green Party of Canada
Dear Cheryl Koehn and the Arthritis Consumer Experts Team,
Thank you for reaching out and for your advocacy on behalf of the six million Canadians living with arthritis. The Green Party recognizes that arthritis is one of Canada’s most pressing health challenges, affecting individuals, families, workplaces, and the economy. As your candidate in Vernon—Lake Country—Monashee, I am committed to ensuring timely, equitable, and comprehensive care for arthritis patients.
If elected, I will advocate for the Green Party’s healthcare priorities, which align with the needs of the arthritis community:
- Expanding Universal Healthcare: The Green Party supports the full implementation of universal pharmacare, ensuring that arthritis patients have access to necessary medications without financial barriers.
- Reducing Wait Times for Care: We will increase federal healthcare funding to improve access to specialists, diagnostic tools, and early intervention for arthritis, reducing the strain on our healthcare system.
- Supporting Arthritis Research & Prevention: Investment in medical research and prevention strategies, including lifestyle programs, rehabilitation services, and awareness campaigns, will help reduce the impact of arthritis on Canadians.
- Recognizing Arthritis as a Work Disability: The Green Party will push for expanded eligibility for disability benefits, ensuring that those living with severe arthritis have access to the financial and workplace accommodations they need.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Blair Visscher, (she-her-elle)
Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee Candidate Green Party of Canada
Candidate de Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee, Parti vert du Canada
greenparty.ca • partivert.ca
Working from the unceded and traditional lands of the Sylix, Secwepemc, and Sinixt peoples
From: Nikida Steel – Vancouver East
Date: April 10, 2025 at 9:43PM PDT
To: Anita Chan
Anita :
Thank you so much for writing and for shining a light on the urgent and often overlooked issue of arthritis in Canada. I was struck by the numbers you shared—6 million Canadians living with arthritis and related autoimmune diseases is an enormous public health burden, and it’s deeply concerning that this issue continues to receive only a fraction of the attention and funding it deserves.
If elected, I am fully committed to strengthening Canada’s public healthcare system and ensuring that chronic and complex conditions like arthritis, lupus, and vasculitis are prioritized—not only in rhetoric, but in meaningful action and policy.
Here are some of the specific steps I support:
- Reduce wait times for arthritis-related surgeries and care, by increasing federal health transfers tied to outcomes, and by prioritizing joint replacement surgeries and pain management in national health planning.
- Expand access to innovative, team-based care, including better integration of rheumatologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and mental health professionals.
- Fast-track access to life-sustaining medications, and protect affordability by opposing trade agreements and tariffs that threaten our ability to access generic drugs and necessary treatments.
- Break down jurisdictional barriers so that healthcare providers can work across provinces and territories—especially in underserved communities, including northern and Indigenous populations.
- Address health inequities through culturally safe, community-led care, and fund research that includes and reflects the experiences of Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized communities who are disproportionately affected.
Thank you again for your advocacy and your powerful message. I hear you—and I’m with you.
I hope you will post this expanded reply as I wanted to give a Folsom dive into the topic.
Miigwetch
https://www.greenparty.ca/en/candidate/nikida-steel?
Nikida Steel she/her
Candidate Vancouver East
Green Party of Canada
Candidat Vancouver-Est
Parti vert du Canada
I live and work on the territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Tsleil-Waututh (səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ) and Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm) Nations.
From: Nikida Steel – Vancouver East
Date: April 3, 2025 at 3:26PM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election – Green Party of Canada
CHERYL:
I appreciate your communication
Please review my platform in the link below you will find that I echo the type of systems and policy that you value as well.
Miigwetch
https://www.greenparty.ca/en/candidate/nikida-steel?
Nikida Steel she/her
Candidate Vancouver East
From: Greg Hopkins – Nepean
Date: April 3, 2025 at 4:56PM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election – Green Party of Canada
Thanks for reaching out,
Yes, absolutely, I will make Arthritis a priority on Parliament Hill if elected! We need every Canadian to help end the climate emergency together.
All the best,
Greg Hopkins, Federal Green candidate for Nepean
From: Christine Kinnie
Date: April 4, 2025 at 3:03:30 PM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Cc: Anita Chan
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
Hello Cheryl, thank you for contacting me regarding this important issue.
More Health Care is a key piece of the Green Party's platform. We plan to:
- Provide stable, long-term funding to provinces and territories
- Train and hire more health care workers to improve access and cut wait times
- Expand home care and community care
- Invest in public health care instead of allowing for-profit corporations to deliver more services
The Green Party has historically been the only party to fully cost its platform. Ours is going through that process right now, with the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) and will be available April 16. Full transparency, accountability, and sustainable solutions is what makes the Green Party different. This is how I know we can deliver on our promises.
I am aware that the current problems in the healthcare system affect everyone, but those most vulnerable are hit the hardest. We plan to make sure that no Canadian is left behind, including those suffering from Arthritis.
Kindest regards,
Christine Kinnie (she-her-elle)
Candidate for South Surrey - White Rock
From: Ben Homer-Dixon
Date: April 4, 2025 at 9:08:34 PM PDT
To: Anita Chan
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
Dear Ms. Chan and Ms. Koehn,
Before I share the official Green Party response, please know that my great-grandmother (Mary Wolfe, diseased), and my grandmother (in long-term care) both suffered/suffer from advanced and debilitating rheumatoid arthritis from their fifties onward. As a child, I watched my grandmother recover after surgeries on both her hands and feet, live in constant pain, and eventually have to give up her art, which she loved. Inaction on arthritis isn't an option.
So here's what we know from the Green Party's sources. The Green Party doesn't have a policy specifically addressing arthritis, but their broader policies related to healthcare, disability justice, and social support could benefit Canadians. Here's how:
- Strengthening Universal Health Care: Better access to neurologists, specialized clinics, and treatments crucial for managing arthritis.
- Expanding Medicare Coverage: Adding pharmacare and mental health care could alleviate the financial burden of medications and provide vital mental health support.
- Disability Justice and Support: Fixing the Disability Tax Credit and fully funding the Canada Disability Benefit could offer essential financial aid to people with arthritis.
- Supporting Independence and Dignity: Investments in affordable, accessible housing and health care services would be beneficial for individuals with arthritis.
- Guaranteed Livable Income: This would provide stable, long-term financial support for persons with disabilities, including those with arthritis who may face barriers to continued employment.
- Research Funding: The Green Party's support for research initiatives could indirectly benefit arthritis research.
Yours sincerely,
Ben
Green Party Candidate for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke
From: Randall Emmons
Date: April 5, 2025 at 10:27:12 AM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
Hello Cheryl,
I must admit I was not personally aware of the stats on hwo widespread arthritis actually was among the Canadian population.
I will say, that while that is compelling, I think it speaks to a bigger issue that on a good note, is an issue that me personally, and the Green Party of Canada fully supports.
The reality is there is dozens of underfunded and under researchers common diseases and disorders thag have equally jarring stats.
While as an individual MP, I would not have the scope to address the all nor the expertise to properly prioritize which ones if I wanted to make that my primary platform, I think there is a better way to address the problem.
While health care in Canada is mainly a provincial government responsibly, I think your statistics show that they do not do a perfect job in addressing widespread conditions, and have their heads down trying to only address local service.
The Government of Canada should introduce legislation to foster the pooling and coordination of healthcare services on a national level. This should mean sharing doctors and nurses, but more importantly in your issues case, specialists. There should be a online support system where doctors can have across nation consults, facilitated my less expirenced specialist in person.
Secondly, a huge increase in funding to provide a national level support system for things like medical supplies, large scale emergencies, and nursing shortages, so that we don't spend even more on private nursing coverage programs. This system could work much like we currently handle wildfire support shifting funding and supplies as needed, and removing aggressive competition between systems.
Lastly, the Goverment of Canada should immediately and totally ban the use of private medical practices in primary care. What we have now is fine, but ideally we should be moving to wards making eye and dental health public too, not pushing more into the hands of profit driven private corporations who erode our quality of care, and are even less cost effective.
I always point to the chart avaiable online of average life expectancy vs health care spending per capita of developed nations to drive this point home.
Canada spends less than half per capita to achieve more than a decade more of life expectancy over the United States.
While some people point towards things like specialists and quality of life down there, I respond with two things.
We don't have tens of millions uninsured, and we could spend twice as much on healthcare, (which would result in world class treatment) and still spend the same as the states with far better results.
Thank you,
Randall Emmons
From: sheena.sharp@greenparty.ca
Date: April 5, 2025 at 6:22:05 PM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Cc: Kelly Lendvoy
Subject: RE: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
Hi Cheryl,
The party does not seem to have specific policy on Arthritis. Thank-you for brining it to my attention. It does run in my family and I am pretty sure I have it.
The Green Party does have policy on strengthening heathcare more generally and keeping it public.
Here is a link to our healthcare plan. https://www.greenparty.ca/en/our-plans/health-care
Let me know your thoughts. BTW, We are looking for volunteers, donations and lawn signs. Any help you can give would be very much appreciated.
Sheena.
From: Carey Rutherford
Date: Monday, April 7, 2025 at 11:10 AM
To: Carey Rutherford
Subject: Calgary East Green Party Candidate
As I have had numerous queries for more information about my campaign plank, such that there’s no way I can reply coherently to all the different questions, I’ve decided to use this comprehensive reply I built for 1 of the first queries who had an issue with my candidate photograph (https://www.greenparty.ca/en/candidate/carey-rutherford):
I’ll address a few points directly, so they’re out of the way, which will allow me to be more conversational after that:
- I had to get a friend of mine to double check which picture the Green Party of Canada (GPC ) put up, as I had provided a couple options to the communications department to upload, and being blind I couldn’t tell;
- I literally chose the shirt I’m wearing under the jacket because I purchased it directly from the Stanfields factory in Nova Scotia, who have been manufacturing Canadian clothing there for over 100 years (https://www.stanfields.com/), and better represents where I focus my economic energies;
- since you are paying attention to these details, I’ll also note the patch of moosehide attached to my lapel, which represent my support for the Moosehide Campaign (https://moosehidecampaign.ca), a Canadian fund and consciousness-raising organization regarding "the disproportionate number of women who are victims (of violence) and the importance of engaging men and boys in addressing this issue;
- as for the (hair) flyaways, I blame the grassroots nature of the GPC, in which the picture was funded by me ($0.00) in my girlfriend/supporters’ kitchen ($0.00), and accepted, vetted and proofed by the volunteer ($0.00) and staff mechanism which is strained to its limits during electoral campaigns .
+++++++++++
I am Carey Rutherford, an interculturalist and independent researcher based in Calgary, and I have most recently been developing a layman’s level presentation regarding the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), to reduce universal “tergiversation” (A word they use meaning “to confuse with details,” which is an example of why I felt the need to become involved). In other projects, I have done presentations on the writing and interviewing process (When Words Collide Festival 2018), and at international conferences (2019 International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities and Nations), and have been academically published (International Journal of Diverse Identities, 2019).
My role as Co-Chair with the Truth & Reconciliation sub-committee of the CAFTCG has given me many chances to bridge the gap between diverse parties while building presentations and relationships inside and outside of the sub-committee. Consequently, we have a strong relationship with the Calgary Police Service and local First Nations, resulting in our direct input to their hiring of Indigenous Resource Officers and Community Mobilizers to address the conflict and disparity present between the CPS and its most frequent arrest.
+++++++++++
In the GPC signature below, you’ll see my roles listed as a Green Party member, and will draw your attention to the oft-repeated statement that we are neither required to adhere to the GPC Leader’s opinion, nor even to adhere absolutely to any specific policy, as we are supposed to pay attention to the constituents that we represent. which, I believe, is exactly what you stated, so we are in alignment there!
Last but not least, I am at Tim’s Cafe (NOT Horton’s, 4210-17 Ave., SE) every Monday morning at 9:00 for baked goods & coffee and to be available in case anyone wants to ask me a question about these things. If that’s a possibility, drop in as the owners know me well and will certainly direct you.
Carey Rutherford (he, him, il)
Alberta Representative, Federal Council
Accessibility and Communications Critic, Shadow Cabinet — Green Party of Canada
Représentant albertain au Conseil fédéral
Critique en matière d’accessibilité et de communications dans le cabinet fantôme — Parti vert du Canada
greenparty.ca • partivert.ca
From: Fintan Hartnett
Date: April 7, 2025 at 4:06:34 PM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Cc: Anita Chan
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
Dear Cheryl, Anita, and Kelly,
Thank you for your thoughtful letter and for highlighting the critical issues facing Canadians living with arthritis. My apologies for the late reply.
I am committed to advocating for policies that improve the lives of those living with arthritis and work towards creating a more equitable and efficient healthcare system in Canada.
As the Green Party of Canada candidate for Kingston and the Islands, I want to assure you that arthritis and its impact on individuals, families, and the Canadian healthcare system are of great concern. I fully recognize the urgency of addressing this issue and am committed to supporting effective solutions that benefit all Canadians, including those living with arthritis.
Here are my responses to your key questions:
**Question 1: Better and Faster Access to Arthritis Care and Treatment**
If elected, I will push for stronger federal investment in a national Pharmacare program that ensures all Canadians, regardless of income or where they live, have access to the medications they need, including essential arthritis drugs. The Green Party advocates for a national formulary that includes a full range of arthritis medications. Additionally, I will support the streamlining of the drug approval process, making it more efficient and ensuring that innovative treatments are available to Canadians more quickly.
**Question 2: Ensuring Provinces and Territories Adhere to Surgical Wait Time Targets**
Wait times for joint replacement surgeries are an ongoing issue, and as your letter points out, this problem has worsened in recent years. The Green Party advocates for the expansion of public healthcare to include timely and necessary surgeries, including joint replacements. I will work to ensure that the federal government supports provinces in adhering to surgical wait time targets and implements best practices to ensure all Canadians can access the care they need. We will also support programs to educate the public about joint health and ways to prevent the need for surgery.
**Question 3: Standardizing Arthritis Health Data**
Accurate and accessible data is crucial for improving healthcare services, and the Green Party supports initiatives to standardize health data collection across provinces and territories. I will advocate for the integration of arthritis health data into the broader healthcare system, making it easier to track outcomes, measure the quality of care, and guide health policies. This will allow for a more informed approach to arthritis treatment, ensuring better results for patients.
**Question 4: Culturally Appropriate Policies for Indigenous Peoples**
The Green Party is committed to addressing the health disparities faced by Indigenous communities, including those living with arthritis. We support Indigenous self-determination in healthcare and will work to implement policies that provide culturally safe, community-based arthritis care. This includes supporting Indigenous communities in developing and managing their own healthcare systems and ensuring they have the resources they need to deliver effective arthritis care.
**Question 5: Increasing Arthritis Research Funding**
Arthritis research is underfunded in Canada compared to other chronic diseases. The Green Party will advocate for increased funding for arthritis research, focusing on precision medicine, prevention strategies, and addressing the unique health needs of Indigenous communities. By investing in cutting-edge research, we can improve the lives of those with arthritis and work towards innovative treatments and possible cures.
In conclusion, I am committed to making arthritis a top health priority if elected. I believe that the Green Party’s platform, which focuses on universal healthcare access, addressing systemic healthcare gaps, and supporting research, aligns well with the needs of the arthritis community. I will continue to work towards a future where all Canadians, including those living with arthritis, have access to the care and treatments they need.
Thank you for your time and for raising these important issues.
Sincerely,
Fintan Hartnett
Green Party of Canada Candidate
Kingston and the Islands
From: Mark Vercouteren
Date: April 7, 2025 at 7:33:55 PM PDT To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
I do apologize I was not able to get enough signatures due to this snap election. Although I am no longer a candidate I felt it was important to reply.
I have several people in my family with Arthritis. And my wife was recently diagnosed as well, after many many years of suffering.
Green Policies are always keeping people as healthy as possible, and the best quality of life as possible.
From: Karleigh Csordas
Date: April 10, 2025 at 4:23:32 AM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Cc: Anita Chan
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
Dear Cheryl, Anita and Kelly,
Thank you for your thoughtful message and for raising awareness about the growing impact of arthritis on individuals, families, and our broader healthcare system. I appreciate you emphasizing the urgent need for action, especially with more Canadians expected to be affected in the coming years.
I have a background in Kinesiology and have worked with our community who utilize OHIP for arthritis prevention. I know how important this issue is to our community as well as all Canadians.
The Green Party believes in a health-first approach that ensures equitable access to timely care, supports for people living with chronic conditions, and addresses the root causes of systemic gaps. We’re committed to implementing universal pharmacare, investing in preventative care, and expanding support for Canadians with disabilities all of which would benefit those living with arthritis.
I would love to connect with you directly to listen more and share how we can work together on this! You can book a one-on-one call with me at www.karleighcsordas.ca.
Warmy,
Karleigh Csordas
Green Party Candidate
Brantford–Brant–South–Six Nations
From: Prashanta Dhakal
Date: April 10, 2025 at 9:27:05 PM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Cc: Anita Chan
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
Dear Cheryl,
Sorry about the late reply. Although I have not seen a specific announcement about arthritis from the Green Party, I can assure you that it is a party that is committed to a strong public health care system. The Green Party believes that every Canadian deserves access to comprehensive health services as per their need on a timely basis.
I can also assure you that if I were to be your MP, I would fight to strengthen public health care as much as financially feasible. I understand that there is a cost (human and economic) to inaction, and that public healthcare can be a source of economic strength and resilience.
If you would like to read the Green Party's policy announcement in full, you can find it here: BRIEFING: HEALTHCARE POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT
Kind regards,
Prashanta
dhakal.ca
From: Nicki Lyons-MacFarlane
Date: April 12, 2025 at 12:06:32 PM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Canada New Democratic Party
Question 1 -- If elected, what will your government do to ensure better and faster access to arthritis care and treatment?
New Democrats believe in a Canada where nobody has to pay out-of-pocket for their prescription medications. We believe in a strong, single-payer universal pharmacare program.
We want to see Canada’s pharmacare system expanded to cover all essential medicines, including arthritis medication. We know that improving access to medications will save Canadians money and help to lower healthcare expenses by keeping people out of emergency rooms and preventing other more costly interventions.
Question 2 - If elected, how will your government ensure provinces and territories adhere to agreed-upon surgical wait time targets and implement best practice, as well as offer effective joint replacement prevention education at a population level?
New Democrats will ensure every Canadian has access to primary care through a comprehensive Healthcare Workforce Strategy that retains and hires more doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers. Our first step will be to guarantee that all Canadians can get access to primary care and a family doctor within 5 years, by 2030. By hiring more family doctors and specialists, especially internationally trained doctors and fast tracking those coming from the United States, we can cut wait times for important procedures.
Question 3 - If elected, how will your government work with provincial and territorial governments to standardize arthritis health data, so access and quality of care are consistently measured, evaluated and reported on across the country?
New Democrats will work with provinces and doctors to reduce burdensome administrative bureaucracy imposed on medical practitioners to streamline health information sharing and input as it takes time away from patients. This includes streamlining and coordinating with provinces on paperwork such as benefits forms, sick notes, and other federal government paperwork, centralizing public sector administration that helps care providers and patients. Through working with provinces and territories on a pan-Canadian licensure for medical professionals, we will need to include measures to coordinate health data across Canada.
From: Dalila Elhak
Date: April 12, 2025 at 4:32:18 PM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
Bonjour,
Je tiens à exprimer tout mon soutien à toutes les personnes au Canada qui vivent avec l’arthrite. Cette maladie chronique, souvent invisible, peut être extrêmement douloureuse et limitante au quotidien.
Je suis profondément consciente des défis physiques, émotionnels et financiers que cela représente, et je veux saluer votre courage, votre résilience et votre détermination.
Il est essentiel que l’arthrite reçoive l’attention qu’elle mérite à l’échelle nationale. Cela signifie :
- un meilleur accès aux soins spécialisés et aux traitements adaptés,
- un soutien accru à la recherche,
- des politiques publiques qui tiennent compte de l’impact de cette maladie sur la qualité de vie,
- et une sensibilisation accrue auprès de la population.
Avec tout mon respect et ma solidarité,
Dalila Elhak, Candidate du Parti Vert du Canada à Beauport-Limoilou
From: Thaila Riden
Date: April 15, 2025 at 7:55:59 PM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
Dear Cheryl,
As a Green Party candidate, I want to assure you that the Green Party recognizes the significant impact of arthritis on the lives of millions of Canadians and is committed to taking meaningful action to address this critical health issue.
If elected, what will your government do to ensure better and faster access to arthritis care and treatment?
Ensuring better and faster access to arthritis care and treatment is a key priority for the Green Party. Our plan includes: Implementing a national pharmacare program to ensure all Canadians have affordable access to necessary medications, including those used to manage arthritis. This will remove financial barriers to treatment.
Working with provinces and territories to explore and support innovative, team-based models of care to improve access to specialists, allied health professionals, and other necessary services for individuals with arthritis.
Addressing wait times for arthritis-related surgeries and services by collaborating with provincial and territorial governments to identify and implement strategies to reduce these delays. This may include supporting increased capacity and efficiency within the healthcare system.
Supporting the elimination of barriers to accessing healthcare practitioners across provinces
The Green Party will work towards greater inter-provincial cooperation in healthcare to improve access to specialized arthritis care
If elected, how will your government ensure provinces and territories adhere to agreed-upon surgical wait time targets and implement best practice, as well as offer effective joint replacement prevention education at a population level? A Green government will work collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve adherence to surgical wait time targets and implement best practices for arthritis care:
We will work to establish clear national standards and targets for healthcare access, including surgical wait times, and ensure that progress is monitored and reported transparently.
The Green Party will support the development and dissemination of national best practices for arthritis care and joint replacement prevention.This includes investing in population-level education initiatives to promote joint health and reduce the need for surgery where possible.
We will explore mechanisms within federal health transfers to incentivize provinces and territories to meet agreed-upon targets and adopt best practices in arthritis care.
Our commitment to evidence-based decision-making in healthcare will ensure that prevention strategies and treatment protocols are informed by the latest research.
If elected, how will your government work with provincial and territorial governments to standardize arthritis health data, so access and quality of care are consistently measured, evaluated and reported on across the country?
The Green Party recognizes the critical importance of standardized health data for improving arthritis care. We will:
Work collaboratively with provincial and territorial governments to establish national standards for the collection, use, and reporting of arthritis health data.
Support initiatives to improve data integration and sharing across jurisdictions, while ensuring appropriate privacy safeguards.
Advocate for making arthritis health data accessible to patients to empower them in their care.
Utilize standardized data to measure and evaluate access to and quality of arthritis care across the country, informing policy decisions and driving improvements.
Implement a Well-Being Dashboard for Canada which includes tracking health indicators, potentially contributing to a broader understanding of the impact of arthritis on well-being.
If elected, what culturally appropriate, patient-centered policies will your government introduce to help Indigenous Peoples navigate the healthcare system and receive coordinated care within their community to manage their arthritis?
The Green Party is deeply concerned about the higher rates of arthritis and related disabilities among Indigenous Peoples. We are committed to Indigenous Reconciliation and will work in partnership with Indigenous communities to address these health inequities:
We will implement policies that are culturally appropriate and patient-centered, respecting Indigenous self-determination in healthcare.
The Green Party will support increasing federal funding to Indigenous healing centers and community-based health organizations to provide culturally safe arthritis care within Indigenous communities.
We will work with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and organizations to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission related to health, including those addressing disparities in chronic disease care.
We will support initiatives that empower Indigenous Peoples to have control over their health and healthcare services.
The Green Party supports amending the Constitution of Canada to ensure consistency with the recognition and protection of Indigenous and treaty rights at all levels of government, which has implications for healthcare delivery.
If elected, will your government increase arthritis research funding to align with the disease's prevalence and impact and support high impact areas, including precision medicine, arthritis prevention, population health data and Indigenous arthritis health research?
Yes, the Green Party recognizes that arthritis research in Canada is significantly underfunded compared to other chronic diseases. A Green government will:
Increase arthritis research funding to better align with the disease's prevalence and significant impact on Canadians.
Support research in high-impact areas, including precision medicine, arthritis prevention, population health data, and Indigenous arthritis health research.
Ensure that research funding decisions are informed by the needs of the arthritis community.
Restore funding to research programs which can benefit arthritis research, and encourage pure research studies.
The Green Party believes that by prioritizing these actions, we can significantly improve the lives of Canadians living with arthritis and ensure that this prevalent chronic disease receives the attention and resources it urgently needs. We are committed to working with the arthritis community to achieve these goals.
Sincerely,
Thaila Riden
Green Party of Canada/ Parti vert du Canada
Candidate / Candidat
Prescott-Russell-Cumberland
From: Otis Crandell
Date: April 21, 2025 at 10:38:38 PM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
Dear Cheryl and Anita,
Thank you for your email raising the crucial issue of arthritis as an urgent health priority for Canadians. Having several family members who suffer (or suffered) from arthritis, I appreciate you sharing the significant statistics highlighting the widespread impact of this condition, affecting so many individuals within our communities.
As a candidate in the current election, I want to assure you that strengthening our healthcare system and ensuring equitable access to care for all Canadians is a core priority. I believe in a universal, publicly funded healthcare system that works for everyone, and this includes addressing the needs of individuals living with arthritis and other chronic conditions.
In response to your specific questions about the actions I would take if elected: Strengthening the healthcare system: The Green Party has a comprehensive plan to bolster Canada's healthcare system. This includes:
- Increasing federal health transfers with accountability measures to ensure funds are used to improve access and equity.
- Working to pass a new primary care health act to guarantee access to a family doctor, nurse practitioner, and community-based primary care team for every Canadian. This foundational access is crucial for timely diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like arthritis.
- Expanding the Canada Health Act to fully fund a Canada-wide pharmacare programme. This would ensure affordable access to necessary medications for managing arthritis.
- Making mental health services fully insured under the Canada Health Act. The Green Party recognises the significant mental health impact of chronic conditions like arthritis and is committed to integrated care.
- Expanding community health services, including increased support for telemedicine. This can improve access to specialists and care, particularly in rural and remote communities.
- Working with provinces to develop national credentialing standards to allow existing immigrants, including healthcare professionals, to pursue accreditation. This can help address shortages of healthcare practitioners.
- As mentioned on my campaign website, I support increasing funding to medical education and improving working conditions for healthcare workers to enhance the capacity of our system.
- Addressing the urgent health priority of arthritis: I recognise that arthritis, with its significant prevalence and impact, requires focused attention and resources. I would:
- Advocate for increased research funding into chronic conditions. While the Green Party's platform may not explicitly single out arthritis research, my commitment to a healthy and robust community of scientific researchers would support advancements in understanding and treating this condition.
- Support innovative, team-based models of care. Our focus on strengthening primary care teams and community health clinics aligns with this approach, ensuring a more integrated and patient-centred experience for those with arthritis.
- Work with provinces and territories to fast-track access to medications through the universal pharmacare programme and by addressing bureaucratic barriers.
- Address health inequities, including for Indigenous Peoples. I am committed to fully implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 18-24, guaranteeing equitable access to culturally appropriate health care for Indigenous Peoples, who experience higher rates of arthritis. I would also support Indigenous-led health services and traditional healing practices.
- Regarding wait times for arthritis-related surgeries and services, increasing the capacity of our healthcare system through the measures outlined above, including workforce development and efficient funding allocation, is crucial. Furthermore, a stronger emphasis on early diagnosis and effective management can potentially reduce the need for some surgical interventions.
- On the issue of trade tensions and access to life-sustaining medications and devices, I believe in strengthening Canada's economic sovereignty. The Green Party plans to establish strategic reserves of key resources and support domestic industries aims to build resilience against foreign economic pressure. A universal pharmacare programme would also provide a more secure and affordable supply of medications for Canadians.
Thank you again for bringing this important matter to my attention. If elected as your Member of Parliament, I am committed to advocating for a healthcare system that prioritises the needs of all constituents, including those living with arthritis.
If you (or someone else in Arthritis Consumer Experts or Joint Health) would like to meet sometime to discuss this (or another other issue) please let me know and we can set up a time to chat more.
Best regards,
From: Chris Markevich
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 2:11 PM
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Re: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you very much for your email. As the Green candidate for Courtenay-Alberni, I want to be as clear as possible about the Green Party's position on this important subject. The Green Party is fully committed to long-term care, and to full and adequate funding for all medical research, healthcare benefits and supports. Additionally, in our election platform that was just released, we have committed to the following measures to improve quality of care for people living with disabilities and other healthcare challenges:
- Fully fund the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) to lift all Canadians with disabilities out of poverty.
- Fix the CDB to ensure automatic enrollment for those already receiving provincial, territorial or federal programs.
- Reform the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) to guarantee fair funding for rural and remote healthcare services, ensuring staffing levels, facility funding, and service access are equitable across all regions.
- Legislate protections from private insurance and provincial or territorial clawbacks.
- Work with the provinces to implement a Guaranteed Livable Income, ensuring financial security for all, including people with disabilities.
- Reform the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to ensure it is accessible, automatic, and fair, including:
- Clear, simplified eligibility rules and plain-language application materials.
- Expanding the list of healthcare providers who can certify applications.
- Removing financial and administrative barriers (e.g., free medical form processing).
- Ensuring automatic eligibility for people already receiving provincial disability benefits.
- Pass a new Primary Care Health Act, complementing the Canada Health Act, to ensure that every Canadian can access a family doctor, nurse practitioner, and community-based primary care team.
- Hire 7,500 new family doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners over five years to address health worker shortages.
- Train and certify 50,000 personal support workers (PSWs) and establish a minimum wage of $25/hour for PSWs and long-term care workers.
- Implement Universal Pharmacare to establish single-payer pharmacare across Canada.
Chris Markevich(he/him)
Critic, Mental Health And Addictions
Courtenay-Alberni
Green Party of Canada
cell. 250.895.3242
I respectfully acknowledge that I live on the unceded, traditional territories of the K'omoks First Nation, who have been the keepers of this land since time immemorial.
From: Frédéric Morin-Paquette
Date: April 26, 2025 at 5:25:42 AM PDT
To: Cheryl Koehn
Subject: Fwd: Arthritis Consumer Experts Survey for Federal Election - Green Party of Canada
Hello,
Yes, our team agrees with what you are proposing. It meets the needs of our population and is part of our electoral platform. Unlocking more funds is essential by seeking money from the wealthiest, and it will not affect their well-being, I assure you! It’s time to have a voice that boosts public treasury. My father often told me: life is an equation.
Feel free to contact me again, or even to call me!
Best regards,
Frédéric Morin-Paquette
Hull-Aylmer
frederic.morin-paquette@greenparty.ca
(1) 514 267-4318
Arthritis Consumer Experts
ACE remercie l'Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC) d'avoir effectué la revision scientifique de JointHealth™