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UPDATE: Canadian Diabetes Association Activities on Ontario Diabetes Strategy Implementation

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Tags: Ontario

The issue:

The purpose of this note is to provide a further update to the diabetes community on the Canadian Diabetes Association activities as it relates to the Ontario Diabetes Strategy (ODS).

As indicated previously, the Canadian Diabetes Association has conveyed its concerns to government about the lack of information and clarity in regard to the ODS implementation plan and the potential role of agencies such as Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) in the delivery of ODS programs and services. The Canadian Diabetes Association’s position remains that those with expertise in diabetes must be at the forefront of providing the overall leadership and implementation of the ODS.

The Association is aware that the government is considering making an announcement soon about the ODS, both in terms of the implementation plan and the diabetes registry. We are concerned that such an announcement will be made prior to an adequate consultation process with the diabetes community.

What we are doing:

The Canadian Diabetes Association continues to be in contact with the government and its partners to seek clarity on the ODS implementation plan and to offer our assistance in coordinating a consultation and communication process between government and the diabetes community. The Association also continues to be in contact with the diabetes community in regard to the ODS to share information and to ensure message coordination.

The Canadian Diabetes Association has been advocating that the government move immediately to convene a consultative roundtable on the ODS implementation plan with the diabetes community and other relevant stakeholders. We believe there is broad-based support for such a roundtable and the Association remains optimistic that such a roundtable will occur. We are, nevertheless, concerned it might not occur prior to the government making an announcement on the future of the ODS implementation.

Scenarios & Canadian Diabetes Association Position:

It is likely that one of the three scenarios will unfold:

One: That government will proceed with an announcement on ODS implementation prior to commencement of a consultative roundtable.
Two: That the government will convene a consultative roundtable prior to making any announcements on ODS.
Three: That the government will continue to delay making any announcement on the ODS.

• Regardless of the scenario that unfolds, the Canadian Diabetes Association will act in the interest of those living with diabetes.
• The Association’s goal is to work cooperatively with both government and the diabetes community to ensure that the needs of people living with diabetes are addressed under the ODS.
• While the Canadian Diabetes Association would oppose the government proceeding with making decisions regarding the future of the ODS prior to a consultative process, we would nevertheless continue to seek opportunities to work with the government constructively.
• The government, the Canadian Diabetes Association and, most importantly, those living with diabetes want the ODS to succeed. Therefore, while the Association will continue to strongly advocate on its positions, at the end of the day it is important to all concerned that the ODS be a success.