As a follow up to yesterday's "key note" titled "QC Not In Violation Of The CHA" and in anticipation of possible forthcoming comments by some of our regular contributors on this same matter, we give you below an extract from the "Canada Health Act Annual Report 2006-2007" as well as a link (click here) to the actual report.

extract from the "Canada Health Act Annual Report 2006-2007 "

"As mentioned in Chapter 1, the provinces and territories must comply with the criteria and conditions of the Canada Health Act to receive the full amount of the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) cash contribution (previous to April 1, 2004, the cash contribution was payable under the Canada Health and Social Transfer). The following section outlines how Health Canada determines provincial/territorial compliance.

Health Canada's approach to resolving possible compliance issues emphasizes transparency, consultation and dialogue with provincial and territorial health ministry officials. In most instances, issues are successfully resolved through consultation and discussion based on a thorough examination of the facts. Deductions have only been applied when all options to resolve the issue have been exhausted. To date, most disputes and issues related to administering and interpreting the Canada Health Act have been addressed and resolved without resorting to deductions.

Health Canada officials routinely liaise with provincial and territorial health ministry representatives and health insurance plan administrators to help resolve common problems experienced by Canadians related to eligibility for health insurance coverage and portability of health services within and outside Canada.

The Canada Health Act Division and regional office staff monitor the operations of provincial and territorial health care insurance plans in order to provide advice to the Minister on possible non-compliance with the Act. Sources for this information include: provincial and territorial government officials and publications; media reports; and correspondence received from the public and other non-government organizations. Staff in the Compliance and Interpretation Unit, Canada Health Act Division, assess issues of concern and complaints on a case-by-case basis. The assessment process involves compiling all facts and information related to the issue and taking appropriate action. Verifying the facts with provincial and territorial health officials may reveal issues that are not directly related to the Act, while others may pertain to the Act but are a result of misunderstanding or miscommunication, and are resolved quickly with provincial assistance. In instances where a Canada Health Act issue has been identified and remains after initial enquiries, Division officials then ask the jurisdiction in question to investigate the matter and report back. Division staff, then discuss the issue and its possible resolution with provincial officials. Only if the issue is not resolved to the satisfaction of the Division after following the aforementioned steps, is it brought to the attention of the federal Minister of Health."