The Canary in the Coal Mine Has Died: CAEP Addresses Canada's Emergency Care Crisis

The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians Releases the EM:POWER Task Force Report and Sponsors a National Forum with System Leaders

For Immediate Release

Ottawa, Canada — March 27, 2024 — As the proverbial canary in the coal mine falls silent, the calls for help from patients, physicians, and staff in Canada’s overwhelmed emergency departments (EDs) remain deafening, but largely unheeded.

Today, the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians releases the groundbreaking EM:POWER Task Force Report on the Future of Emergency Care. With this release, CAEP is taking the lead role in addressing the dire state of emergency care across the nation.

The oft-used metaphor of the ED as the canary in the coal mine did not enable meaningful change, as it portrayed the emergency care system as passive and reactive. In contrast, the EM:POWER Report leverages the knowledge, experience, credibility, and unique system perspective of ED professionals, who work at the busiest healthcare intersection in our system, are the decision point for hospitalizations, and have expertise in the delivery and coordination of care to acutely ill and injured patients.

The Task Force Report was meticulously crafted by leading experts in emergency medicine and provides a new framework for system redesign. It unveils a roadmap towards revitalizing our system, addressing fundamental issues such as access to emergency care, accountability, disaster preparedness and learning from other health systems.

To kick-start system, change and foster collaboration, CAEP is proud to announce the upcoming "Forum on the Future of Emergency Care." This groundbreaking event will convene thought leaders, senior government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders to dissect the findings of the EM:POWER Report and chart a course towards meaningful change.

"Canadian emergency physicians have the clearest view of a system teetering at the brink. We are ready to lead the charge towards a better future for emergency care," declares Dr. Michael Howlett, President of CAEP. "The time for complacency is over. We hope that government leaders from across the country join with the dedicated professionals in our emergency care system, to ensure every Canadian receives the timely, high-quality care they deserve."

The "Forum on the Future of Emergency Care," to be held April 30 and May 1 in Toronto, promises to be a pivotal event, fostering dialogue, innovation, and actionable solutions. It represents a crucial step towards reshaping Canada's emergency care landscape, safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our communities for generations to come. CAEP has extended invitations to government leaders from across the country, urging their participation in this vital discussion. We hope to have representation from each province, as their collaboration is essential in implementing effective, nationwide solutions to this crisis.

Media Contact:

Christina Bova

Director, Member Engagement and Advocacy

Cell: (613) 793-0926 Email: cbova@caep.ca

X: @CAEP_Docs

About CAEP:

The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) is the national voice of emergency medicine in Canada. Committed to excellence in emergency care, CAEP represents over 2,500 emergency physicians, residents, and medical students across the country. With a mission to advance the field of emergency medicine through advocacy, education, and research, CAEP strives to ensure optimal care for all patients in need of emergency services.