Position Statements

The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) upholds a set of values based in social democracy, social justice and environmental justice. These values guide HSAA in taking positions on issues that arise on an ongoing basis. Our position statements align with our mission, vision, values and strategic plan.

HSAA is affiliated with the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and its subordinate bodies – the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) and the various District Labour Councils across Alberta.

To learn more about the mission and strategic plan that guide HSAA, click here.

On this page you can review the web version of our position statements. A PDF file can also be downloaded.

Position Statement 51 - Expansion of Medicare Umbrella - Dental Care

HSAA will advocate for the inclusion of dental coverage in the Canadian public health care system.

Rationale:

Almost half of all Canadians without dental insurance – commonly, new Canadians, the elderly, people working in insecure jobs and for low wages, and their children – avoid visiting a dentist due to costs.

High costs lead up to six million Canadians not receiving dental care every year.

Canadians with difficulty accessing dental care end up with the highest levels of gum disease, which in turn can increase their risk for general health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Lack of preventative dental care leads to increased visits to already crowded emergency rooms and physician offices, and causes people to miss work, school and other activities.

Canada actually provides less publicly funded dental care than the United States, and

Amongst developed nations, Canada is among the lowest funders of dental health care programs.

Approved at Convention May 2019