Beyond the Bedside: Our Healthcare Future (with Former Minister Mark Holland)

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June 11, 2025 • 37 mins

In this poignant and powerful final episode of The Gritty Nurse Podcast, we close this chapter with a truly essential conversation. We are honoured to welcome former Minister Mark Holland, who offers an exclusive look into the federal government's pivotal efforts to improve Canadian healthcare. From the pressing issue of Pharmacare to strategies for a healthier nation, Minister Holland addresses what's being done on a federal level to make a tangible difference in the lives of Canadians.

Amie & Sara dive deep into the critical issues that define our healthcare landscape. We discuss the pervasive problem of healthcare silos across Canada and the urgent need to address health misinformation and improve health literacy. We bring into sharp focus the national nursing shortage, exploring how the government plans to integrate and rely on nursing to fortify primary care. Finally, we raise a crucial concern about protecting Canada's borders from potential health threats, particularly in light of recent public health challenges in the US.

Join us for this unmissable episode as we reflect on the journey of The Gritty Nurse, celebrate the grit of healthcare professionals, and look towards a healthier future for all Canadians. Thank you for being a part of our community.

Mark Holland Bio:

The Honourable Mark Holland was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Ajax in 2004, serving until 2011, and was re-elected in 2015, 2019, and 2021.

A lifelong resident of the Ajax-Pickering area, Minister Holland has served his community for over 20 years. Before entering federal politics, he was elected as a Durham Regional Councillor, serving from 1997 to 2004.

As a Member of Parliament, Minister Holland has served in many roles including as the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and as Chief Government Whip. He has been a staunch advocate of marriage equality rights, and played a key role in helping to reform Canada’s animal cruelty laws.

In both public and private roles, Minister Holland has backed health-related initiatives, serving as Executive Director of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada’s Ontario Mission, as well as its National Director of Children and Youth.

As Minister of Health, Minister Holland has worked to sign bilateral health care funding agreements with provinces and territories to improve health care across the country, launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan that will help up to 9 million Canadians get the essential dental care they need, and recently has introduced pharmacare legislation that will provide universal access to contraception and diabetes medications.

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Thank You to Our Gritty Nurse Community

As we close this final chapter, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of The Gritty Nurse journey. To our loyal listeners, your unwavering support and engagement have fueled

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