A commentary by a former ­deputy minister of health in B.C and Saskatchewan and a member of two health reform commissions.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is boldly dealing with challenges to Canada’s sovereignty, tariffs, trade diversification and longstanding weak productivity, making life less affordable for Canadian families.

With “elbows up,” a mantra of “change” and a slogan, “Build Big, Build Bold, Build Now,” his government is on its way to renewing co-operative ­federalism.

Garnering support to build an economy that is self-sufficient, productive and cost-effective, he is preparing us for the new world order.

A prosperous country is contingent on the health of its citizens. A resilient, equitable, and effective health system is a cornerstone of a cohesive society and productive economy.

Canada’s health system is underperforming by international standards — fragmented, strained and inequitable. It is time to rebuild it with the emphasis on the solid foundation of primary health.

Health is an essential economic cornerstone to Canada’s future prosperity. We must build on the atmosphere of federal-provincial co-operation.

This is like the political ­relations that created Canada’s legislation for medicare and ­hospital insurance.

Canada needs a bold, co-operative federalism to rebuild its health system.

Canada’s health system is a powerful driver of economic growth........

© Times Colonist