Through our policy and advocacy work, the CMA brings the physician voice to a wide number of health issues important to Canadians — and makes resources and information available to build physicians’ knowledge, support their advocacy and enhance their patient care.
Cannabis
With cannabis use now legal in Canada, we continue to advocate for a science-based, public health approach to the substance — and actively support physicians with information and resources about cannabis use for medical purposes.
Chronic Disease Prevention
The CMA advocates for stronger policies and regulations to combat chronic disease. We also work to ensure physicians have the knowledge and evidence-based tools for promoting health.
Medical Assistance in Dying
From a position of neutrality — supporting members who provide services for medically assisted dying and those who choose not to — the CMA is driving dialogue about this complex end-of-life intervention.
Opioids
The opioid crisis has claimed thousands of lives. We’re helping physicians get the information they need for appropriate prescribing and treating of opioid addiction.
Palliative Care
High-quality palliative care remains unavailable or inaccessible to many Canadians. The CMA is a longtime advocate for better access to end-of-life care.
Pharmacare
Prescribing medication is a key part of many physicians’ practice. Yet the high cost of prescription drugs can make them inaccessible to many Canadians. For more than three decades, the CMA has been a strong advocate for affordable prescription medications.
Pharmaceuticals
Drug shortages, high prescription costs and the risks of adverse reactions are all concerns physicians have when it comes to pharmaceuticals. Our advocacy touches on all of these issues.
Seniors Care
As Canada’s population ages, wait times and health care costs will continue to climb. We want a national seniors strategy, and investments into more effective and accessible seniors care.
Smoking and e-cigarettes
The CMA has worked toward the goal of a smoke-free Canada for decades. Today, that work includes advocating for more research into the health effects of electronic cigarettes — and for restrictions on their promotion and sale to minors.
Focus Issues
As the collective voice of physicians in Canada, the CMA has a unique perspective on Canada’s health care landscape. This gives us a clear view of which issues demand the most urgent attention, whether they are long-standing or emerging.