Updates

One year ago, Healthcare Excellence Canada launched Care Forward, a pan-Canadian movement that connects changemakers across the country to share knowledge, apply proven approaches and improve healthcare quality and safety for more people.

Across Canada, youth and families often face a complex web of services, referrals, and wait times. The system can be difficult to navigate, making it harder for people to access the right care, at the right time, and in the right place.

In February 2025, teams from across Canada gathered in Edmonton, Alberta to reflect on their journeys to address systemic racism in healthcare and improve culturally safe care for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

​​Across the country, doctors spend almost 20 million hours a year on administrative tasks. Thanks to the Healthcare Unburdened Grant Program and implementation support from Healthcare Excellence Canada, healthcare teams are actioning practical ways to help give that time back – supporting professional well-being and improved patient care.​

High-performing health systems share six key levers focused on the lived experiences of patients and those delivering care – they can be replicated across the country

Insights from HEC’s Leaders' Forum

What does it take to shape a future where everyone in Canada has safe and high-quality care? There’s no single answer – but there is a way. For five years, Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC) and our partners have been finding it, together. As we celebrate a half-decade of progress and growing momentum towards safer, higher-quality care, we invite you to join us in moving Care Forward.

Teams participating in the Right Care Challenge, which focuses on reducing avoidable emergency department visits and improving access to primary and community care, have demonstrated how everyday interactions contribute to safer care.

On March 24, 2026, Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel, announced a $3M investment to strengthen primary care — in partnership with CIHR and HEC.