Canada

Canada’s Health Canada Departmental Plan 2022–2023 focuses on strengthening the healthcare system, ensuring health protection, and expanding health services access. The plan prioritizes COVID-19 response, mental health services, substance use treatment, digital health integration, and healthcare workforce sustainability. Key achievements include expanding vaccine availability, improving digital health infrastructure, and increasing investments in mental health and addiction services. The plan emphasizes long-term care improvements, virtual healthcare expansion, and enhanced Indigenous health services. Efforts to develop national pharmacare, address drug shortages, and modernize regulatory frameworks are ongoing. However, healthcare worker shortages, system strain due to the pandemic, and funding sustainability remain challenges. The plan also prioritizes organ and blood donation, cancer prevention, environmental health initiatives, and addressing anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare. Strengthening governance, accountability, and data-driven decision-making supports long-term system resilience. Despite significant progress, barriers in service accessibility, financial constraints, and workforce retention persist. Future success depends on continued investments, intergovernmental coordination, and evidence-based policy development to sustain an equitable and efficient healthcare system​.