ACER-CART 

On your behalf, the following letter has been sent to the Prime Minister by ACER-CART President, Tom Gaskell.

December 20, 2012 The Right Honorable Stephen Harper Prime Minister of Canada

Dear Prime Minister

The Canadian Association of Retired Teachers ( ACER-CART ) has, by resolution, instructed me to write your office on behalf of the 127,000 retired teachers it represents to express concern on a number of health related issues. I will attempt to be brief, but wish to add that we are available to provide further information and/or clarification should you require same.

The first recommendation would see the appointment of a National Medicare Oversight Council. This Council, independent of Government, would monitor the implementation and maintenance of national standards of health services provided under the Canada Health Act, and where advisable, propose necessary changes.

The second recommendation would complement the first and assure the implementation of national standards. This would see the Federal Government make transfer of health care funds contingent upon assurances from the provinces and territories that such funding be used to support the provisions of the Canada Health Act.

The other areas of concern deal with the need of a comprehensive national pharmacare program and a national pharmaceutical formulary. While initial talks and discussion may have taken place, little information re possible progress has been forthcoming. We urge and encourage provincial and territorial governments to work cooperatively with you to make this a reality. The potential savings of millions of dollars could then be channeled into other needed areas of health improvement.

If we can offer any assistance or clarification do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours truly,

Thomas Gaskell President

President Dr. Thomas gaskell, Président 59 Rendell Drive, Little Bras d’Or, NS B1Y 2Y7, (902) 736-1267, gaskelltag@hotmail.com