By Bella Balisi-Bevilaqua
Burnaby, BC [2025 May 3]. – The recent Canadian federal election marked a renewed chapter in the country’s political story. With the guidance of key figures like Mark Carney, it has emerged victorious, signalling a vote of confidence from the Canadian people. This outcome is not just a political win but also an opportunity to take bold strides in addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time—healthcare, especially mental health care, and human rights. The future of Canada’s social landscape is at a crossroads, and the Liberals now have – again – a chance to lead the country toward a more advanced and efficient society. However, with that trust comes great responsibility. The Liberals must move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible, meaningful change for all Canadians. They must remember that much support has come from members of their principal ally, the National Democratic Party.
A Progressive Vision for Healthcare: Efficiency and Access
Canada’s healthcare system, universally revered for its equitable approach to basic health needs, shows signs of strain. Long wait times, overcrowded emergency rooms, and underfunded provincial health systems have raised questions about their long-term sustainability. Mark Carney, a renowned economist and former Governor of the Bank of Canada, brings a unique perspective to the Liberal team. His background in financial stewardship, combined with a strong sense of social responsibility, positions him well to tackle inefficiencies in healthcare.
Carney’s understanding of economic structures and his experience navigating complex systems could provide a fresh approach to funding and managing healthcare in Canada. The Liberal government must prioritize modernizing Canada’s healthcare infrastructure, using technology, and improving data management to streamline services. For example, expanding telemedicine services, enhancing data sharing between provinces, and increasing the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics could significantly reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes (Fisher & Seely, 2021).
Furthermore, the Liberals must continue to honour the foundational principles of the Canada Health Act: accessibility, portability, and universality. There is room for improvement in terms of expanding access to services, particularly for marginalized groups such as Indigenous populations and remote communities. A renewed focus on preventative care and community-based health initiatives can alleviate the long-term burden on the healthcare system while promoting better overall health outcomes for all Canadians.
Mental Health Care: Breaking the Stigma
Mental health care is perhaps one of the most underdiscussed areas in Canadian healthcare. With rising rates of mental health issues, especially among youth, healthcare professionals, and frontline workers, there is an urgent need for the government to prioritize mental health services. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the cracks in Canada’s mental health infrastructure. As more Canadians report experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles, there is a growing call for integrated mental health care that’s as accessible and universal as physical health care. The most recent reason to be more critical about paying more attention to reforms governing mental health care would be the Lapu-Lapu car-ramming incident.
The Liberal government, with its allies’ support, has an opportunity to champion mental health reform. The establishment of a national mental health strategy would be an important first step, aimed at increasing funding for mental health services and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Carney’s economic insight could be leveraged to ensure these policies are compassionate and cost-effective, ensuring that investments in mental health yield long-term benefits. In addition, integrating mental health care into primary health services would help normalize mental health care, ensuring that every Canadian has the support they need without navigating a fragmented system (Rush, 2020).
A Commitment to Human Rights: Moving Forward Together
Canada’s dedication to human rights has long been a cornerstone of its national identity. From protecting civil liberties to advocating gender equality and racial justice, Canadians are proud of their history of progressiveness. However, much work remains, particularly in racial justice, Indigenous rights, and gender equality.
The Liberal government must continue to foster an environment of inclusivity and equity. With his global perspective and focus on sustainable, ethical leadership, Carney can be instrumental in pushing forward policies prioritizing human rights at home and abroad. This includes increasing support for Canada’s Indigenous communities, addressing systemic racism in policing and healthcare, and ensuring that gender equality is not just a theoretical goal, but a concrete reality for all Canadians (Clark, 2019).
Additionally, Canada must strengthen its support for human rights on the global stage. Whether advocating for refugees, fighting climate change as a human rights issue, or supporting international agreements to improve human welfare, Carney’s economic acumen and leadership can help Canada become a more influential player in global human rights discussions.
A Forward-Looking Canada
The future of Canada is bright, but the path forward is complicated. Mark Carney and the Liberal Party have an opportunity to advance the country and enhance its efficiency in healthcare, mental health, and human rights. They must act decisively and thoughtfully, balancing the need for immediate action with the importance of a long-term vision. This is no small task, but with the trust of the Canadian people, the Liberals have a mandate to create a better, more inclusive Canada for all.
Canada’s future depends on its leaders’ ability to meet today’s challenges with innovation, compassion, and a firm commitment to the ideals of equity and justice. As Canadians place their trust in the Liberals once more, the government must show that it can preserve the country’s values and advance them for future generations.
References
Clark, L. (2019). Racial justice in Canada: Challenges and opportunities. Canadian Journal of Political Science, 52(2), 451–469.
Fisher, B., & Seely, A. (2021). Modernizing healthcare: Strategies for improving efficiency and access in Canadian healthcare systems. Healthcare Management Review, 46(4), 301–314.
Rush, B. (2020). Mental health and policy in Canada: Integrating care into the healthcare system. Canadian Mental Health Review, 30(1), 5–17. (MBB)
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