Statement from Raquel Dancho, Member of Parliament, on Her Appointment as Conservative Shadow Minister for Health

June 30, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – Raquel Dancho, Member of Parliament for Kildonan – St. Paul, has been appointed Shadow Minister for Health by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre:

“I am honoured to take on the role of Shadow Minister for Health. Health care touches every Canadian family, whether it is a parent trying to find a family doctor, a senior waiting for surgery, a child needing urgent care, or a patient hoping to access the latest treatments.

“With our talent, resources, and standing as a G7 country, Canada should be a health care success story. Instead, despite spending more than the OECD average on health care, Canadians are waiting longer for care and falling behind patients in many comparable countries when it comes to timely access and innovative treatments.

“Recent polling confirms what Canadians are feeling. Nine in ten Canadians say the health care system needs to change. Seven in ten feel worried or frustrated. A majority believe health care in Canada is moving in the wrong direction, with long wait times topping the list of concerns. Canadians deserve better: a health care system that works for them and treats every patient with dignity.

“As Shadow Minister for Health, I will hold the Liberal government accountable for results, respect provincial jurisdiction, champion patients and families, and advance a vision for a health care system that is modern, accountable, and centred on meeting the needs of Canadians.

“I want to congratulate MP Dan Mazier for his excellent work during his tenure as Shadow Minister for Health. Dan has been a strong voice for patients and taxpayers, including through his efforts to hold the Liberal government accountable for the failed PrescribeIT program. I look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established.

“I also want to congratulate the new Shadow Minister for Industry, MP Adam Chambers, who brings experience and dedication to this role and will do an exceptional job.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Shadow Minister for Industry and as Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology over the past year. Together, we successfully pressured the Liberal government to back down on its costly electric vehicle mandate, exposed wasteful taxpayer subsidies, defended Canadian manufacturing against unfair competition from China, and advocated for policies that strengthen productivity, investment, and Canadian sovereignty.

“It was also a privilege to champion Canada’s achievements in space exploration – an enduring source of national pride that reflects the ingenuity, innovation, and ambition that define our country. I will continue to be a strong advocate for Canada’s space sector and its future.

“I’m committed to bringing the same focus, discipline, and commitment to accountability and results to the health portfolio.

“Canadians deserve better than paying more, waiting longer, and falling behind other advanced countries. Conservatives will fight for a health care system that delivers the results Canadians deserve.”

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