Humans are cursed with sometimes being short-sighted.

Of course, it can be useful. Better not to be so focused on how to invent the wheel that you don’t notice the sabre-tooth tiger about to eat you for lunch.

But Canadian health care can’t afford to be short-sighted. It requires long-term vision and investment to ensure the well-being of future generations.

We have some good examples of what can be achieved. Thanks to a long-term commitment, Canada has made progress in the past 50 years against some of the most urgent medical issues: cancer, and heart and lung diseases. This is due in large part to innovations in research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

We have also seen societal shifts in lifestyle behaviours, such as diet and exercise, and supportive laws and policies.

Howeve

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