OTTAWA – Today, the Green Party of Canada announced in Guelph a comprehensive plan to protect and expand Canada’s universal public healthcare system. The proposed policy would guarantee every Canadian access to primary care, while integrating dental care, pharmacare, and mental health into Canada’s public healthcare system. The plan also commits to addressing the national healthcare worker shortage and reversing the trend toward privatized care.
“Federal health transfers to provinces must be spent on healthcare and meet targets for ensuring primary care health providers for every Canadian,” said Elizabeth May, Green Party Co-Leader and MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands. “Provincial accountability for federal financial transfers is KEY to reversing declining levels of access for Canadians to public, universal and excellent healthcare.”
Green Party Healthcare Plan Highlights:
- Introduce a new Primary Care Health Act to guarantee every Canadian access to a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or community health team.
- Fully integrate mental health services into public healthcare as an insured benefit.
- Implement Universal Pharmacare to cover all prescription medication
- Expand the Canadian Dental Care Plan to all eligible Canadians.
- Enforce and enhance the Canada Health Act to ensure all new federal health dollars go to public, not-for-profit care
- Invest in healthcare worker training and fair compensation, including streamlined credential recognition for internationally trained professionals.
“Healthcare must be rooted in equity, compassion, and evidence,” said Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik, Green Party candidate for Guelph and a longtime HIV/AIDS physician. “As a doctor, I know that mental health is health, that access to medication can save lives, and that prevention and early intervention reduce suffering and long-term costs. This plan is not only morally right—it’s medically and economically sound.”
The Greens’ plan places a strong focus on underserved and rural areas, pledging stable funding for Indigenous-led health services, mobile health clinics, and expanded telemedicine. It also mandates culturally appropriate care for all populations.
“This is about delivering healthcare that reaches everyone—urban or rural, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, young or old,” said Jonathan Pedneault, Green Party Co-Leader. “We are committed to creating a resilient, inclusive system that reflects the best of what Canada can be.”
The Green Party contrasted its plan with the lack of ambition from other parties.
Liberals talk a good game but have stalled on delivering comprehensive pharmacare and allowed privatization to creep in. Conservatives would leave healthcare even more vulnerable to profit-driven interests. The NDP has shown support for expansion, but has yet to put forward a fully integrated and costed plan. Greens are offering true transformation—fully public, truly universal, and ready to meet today’s challenges head-on.
Key Benefits of the Green Plan:
- Universal access to primary care and mental health services
- No more out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications or dental care
- Stronger support for healthcare workers, including better pay and working conditions
- Equitable care for rural, remote, and marginalized communities
- Prevention-focused health policy that improves outcomes and reduces costs
“Canadians cherish our public healthcare system,” added Elizabeth May. “This plan reaffirms and expands on that legacy. Your health card, not your credit card, should always determine the care you receive.”
The Green Party invites Canadians from all walks of life to learn more about the plan and get involved in building a healthier, more equitable future for all.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
Press secretary
514-463-0021
Rod Legget
Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications
613-203-1524