OTTAWA –The upcoming federal budget will set the tone for the renegotiation of the federal-provincial-territorial health accord in 2014 and outline the future of Canadian health care, New Democrat Leader Jack Layton and the party’s Health Critic, Judy Wasylycia-Leis, said today.

“We’re at a tipping point,” Layton said after a day-long panel discussion with health care experts. “We need to define and fight for the system we want and need.

“Today, it was made very clear by experts across the board that an integrated approach is needed to address the current and future challenges our health care system faces.”

Topics discussed by the panel included drug therapy, preventative health care, human resources, funding, public system vs. for profit, and health care for an aging population.

“Our seniors built this country and they deserve the best health care we can give them so they can live with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Layton. “Seniors are currently faced with many challenges in accessing the unique care they need, and today the experts agreed that this must be a priority.”

“The discussion was an important step in setting the foundation for a new partnership to face the challenges of our health care system today and in the future,” said Wasylycia-Leis. “New Democrats will continue to work to ensure that every Canadian can depend on a universal, comprehensive, and publicly administered health care system.”