August 31, 2005

Dear Mr. Ernst:

Thank you for your correspondence of June 27, 2005, addressed to the Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Minister of Health, concerning coverage for health care services such as physiotherapy and psychological counselling required by sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

It is the Minister of Health's interest to ensure that Canadians receive quality health care services in an appropriate and timely fashion. However, as you may be aware, the provincial and territorial governments, rather than the federal government, have primary responsibility for matters related to the administration and delivery of health care services.

Under the Canada Health Act, the provinces and territories are required to provide medically necessary hospital and physician services to their residents on a prepaid basis, and on uniform terms and conditions. In addition to the provision of medically necessary hospital and physician services, the provincial and territorial governments may also offer additional benefits at their own discretion. Physiotherapy outside a hospital and psychological counselling services fall within this range of additional benefits that the provinces and territories may include under their respective plans, on their own terms and conditions.

In view of the provincial and territorial jurisdiction in such matters, we would suggest that you bring your concerns to the attention of the provincial and territorial ministers of Health. Health Canada's web site provides links to the provincial and territorial health ministries at: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/medicare/CHAlinks.htm.

Again, thank you for writing.

Yours sincerely,

Executive Correspondence Directorate
Health Canada