Statement on the Heartlife Foundation by the Honourable Yonah Martin

In her recent address to the Senate, Hon. Yonah Martin, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, shone a spotlight on an issue of paramount importance: heart failure. As February marks Heart Month, she underscored the urgency of addressing this condition, which affects over 750,000 Canadians annually and claims numerous lives.

At the forefront of advocacy for those living with heart failure is the HeartLife Foundation, a national organization committed to empowering patients, advocating for policy changes, and raising awareness. Their collaborative efforts have birthed the National Heart Failure Policy Action Framework, a robust plan aimed at revolutionizing heart failure care across Canada.

Martin highlighted the stark discrepancies in access to care and the staggering economic toll of heart failure, projecting costs to skyrocket to $2.8 billion annually by 2030. However, she also offered hope, citing international studies that demonstrate the efficacy of interventions like remote monitoring and multidisciplinary care in reducing hospital readmissions and costs.

Calling upon her fellow senators to engage with the HeartLife Foundation and support the implementation of the Policy Action Framework, Martin emphasized the potential for transformative change in the landscape of heart failure care. By working together, she envisioned a healthier and brighter future for all Canadians impacted by this condition.