As a national Association, the CHCA is a "unifying force" which amplifies our members' individual voices to influence policy directions on key professional and system issues. On behalf of our membership, the CHCA work on advocacy strategies to inform and influence Federal, Provincial and Territorial home care policy and direction.

Keeping abreast of health care challenges and changes
The Health Care in Canada (HCIC) survey was conducted annually over the decade 1998–2007 and remains the most comprehensive annual survey of Canadian public and health care providers' opinions on health care. The surveys were designed to gauge the need for change, and not as a report card on the (then) current status of the health system. The data capture the experiences of both members of the public and health care providers, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and health care managers. This range of responders allows the perspectives of these groups to be compared and contrasted. In addition, the fact that the survey was conducted annually for a period of ten years allows for the tracking of trends over time, highlighting areas of consistency and evolving priorities, preferences, and desire for change.

The survey finds widespread support for incentives for encouraging the adoption of new health care technologies (86%), higher medical and nursing school enrolment levels (82%), more home and community care programs (78%), increased funding for health research (78%), increasing investments to help patients manage their chronic illness (72%), and increasing implementation of wait time guarantees (72%). 

Survey partner organizations include the, Canadian Home Care Association, Association of Canadian Academic Healthcare Organizations, Canadian Nurses Association, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian College of Health Service Executives, , Canadian Healthcare Association Canadian Public Health Association, Health Charities Coalition of Canada, Canadian Pharmacists Association, Merck Frosst Canada Ltd., and Rogers Media.

Clear here to access the Health Care in Canada Surveys