Health Minister Jane Philpott says the problems facing Canada’s health-care system won’t be solved – just by throwing money at the situation.

And she promised the country’s doctors that the federal government is committed to finding answers.

Speaking in Vancouver, Philpott told the Canadian Medical Association today that the ongoing talks about a new health agreement with the provinces and territories – offers an opportunity to set health care on a new course.

She says solutions can be found in a variety of ways, including –   using digital technology to keep records and share information, and by giving greater priority to the social factors that have an impact on health, particularly among Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples.

Philpott pointed to other countries, including Britain and Australia, and said they are getting better health-care outcomes than Canada, while spending less per capita – and as a percentage of GDP – because they have done a better job of co-ordinating health care.