Advocacy

One of our primary goals is advocacy – remaining a driving force to nationally advance the interests of anesthesiologists and ensure they are recognized as professionals in acute and chronic pain management. CAS strives to be the voice of the profession, a recognized source for anesthesiologists, government and media. On top of our ongoing advocacy, based on the input of our members, we have identified the below matters as the most important issues facing our profession. Please stay tuned for updates or contact us for more information.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)

In early 2021, CAS learned that the Ministry of Health in British Columbia had created a plan to introduce Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) as a new health profession and to establish an educational program to train CRNAs in BC. The Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society does not support the introduction of CRNAs – either independent practice or supervised – into the Canadian healthcare system. 

Since we learned of the Ministry’s intentions, CAS has been supporting our BC colleagues with their advocacy efforts and in developing a strategy to stop the Ministry from moving closer to including CRNAs in the province. We have contracted a public affairs firm with extensive experience in advocacy and government relations to advise the BCAS throughout this process. 

Learn more about what CAS is doing: 
 

• Update - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in British Columbia: Health Profession Policy Changes (PDF)
• Introduction to CRNA's and CAS' position (external link)
• British Columbia plans for CRNA's (external link)

Family Practice Anesthesiologists

At our 2021 November Board meeting, CAS passed a resolution committing CAS to further engagement with our Family Practice Anesthetist (FPA) colleagues. FPAs are trained Family Physicians that have undergone an intensive 12-month residency in anesthesia, on top of the residency requirements to be licensed by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. FPAs are typically used in rural and remote settings but may be seen by governments as a way to address critical policy concerns.

Learn more about what CAS is doing:
 

• Statement - Driving the Future of Physician-led Anesthesia in Canada - Engaging the Profession (external link) 

---

all ONGOING ADVOCACY

december 2021

• Statement - Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in British Columbia: Health Profession Police Changes (PDF)
• Statement - Driving the Future of Physician-led Anesthesia in Canada - Engaging the Profession (external link) 

December 2020

• Position Statement - Physician Shielding During a Pandemic (PDF 210 KB)
• Statement on Access to COVID-19 Vaccination for Anesthesia Professionals (PDF 120 KB)

October 2020

• Position Statement - Lack of evidence that epidural pain relief during labour causes autism spectrum disorder

June 2020

• Proclamation of Black Anti-Racism Action and Solidarity (PDF 224 KB)
• Position Statement - Reinstitution of Elective Operations following COVID-19 (PDF - 177 KB)
• Emergency Safety Bulletin - Medication Substitutions (PDF 155 KB)

April 2020

• Position Statement - Ethical Considerations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) During Scarcity (PDF - 167 KB)

May 2019

• Press Release: Shortage of anesthesiologists impacts delivery of surgical, acute and chronic pain services 

April 2018

• Health Canada responds to President DuVal's letter regarding drug shortages in Canada

March 2018

• President DuVal addresses letter to Minister of Health regarding drug shortages in Canada
• Dr DuVal letter to the Minister of Health

February 2018

• Read President DuVal's response to "Deep sedation for colonoscopy is unnecessary and wasteful" article