OVERVIEW

Canada Healthcare Bonds forms part of Canada’s Sleep Calendar, a coordinated programme of national public education presented by The Sleep Society to improve sleep health awareness across Canada.

Unlike the health, safety and quality of life initiatives that form Canada’s Sleep Calendar, Canada Healthcare Bonds explores an innovative and voluntary approach to strengthening the future of Canadian healthcare through long-term public investment. The initiative encourages informed discussion about how Canadians might become active partners in supporting healthcare, research, prevention, education and public health through a national Healthcare Bond programme. A strong, accessible and sustainable healthcare system is fundamental to Canada’s health, safety, resilience and future. For that reason, SleepSafeCanada believes Canada Healthcare Bonds is an opportunity worthy of national consideration and remains committed to encouraging informed discussion of this innovative concept.

WHY IT MATTERS

Healthcare systems throughout Canada continue to face increasing demand arising from an ageing population, chronic disease, workforce shortages and rising costs. Because these pressures develop gradually over many years, their cumulative impact can be underestimated until the challenges become significant. This creates an opportunity to consider innovative, sustainable and forward-looking approaches that may help strengthen Canada’s healthcare system for future generations.

While achieving good quality sleep has the potential to improve many aspects of Canadian health, wellbeing and public safety, the pressures facing healthcare extend far beyond sleep. Canada Healthcare Bonds encourages discussion about innovative, sustainable and voluntary approaches to strengthening healthcare accessibility, infrastructure, research, public health and prevention. Such an approach could complement existing funding models while encouraging Canadians to become active partners in strengthening the nation’s health and the future of their healthcare system.

BACKGROUND

Originally developed in 2020 as BC Dream Bonds, the proposal reflected both the aspirations of British Columbians and the connection between healthy sleep and a healthier future. It sought to explore whether British Columbians would voluntarily invest in their own healthcare system through a Government-backed Healthcare Bond programme. The concept generated considerable interest among Members of the Legislative Assembly, financial organisations, professional groups and the public. However, despite this early support, the proposal failed to progress. Rather than being considered primarily as an innovative approach to strengthening healthcare, research, prevention and public health, it came to be viewed primarily through the lens of existing lottery and gaming legislation. To better reflect its purpose and reduce this misunderstanding, the proposal was subsequently renamed BC Healthcare Bonds.

In 2026, the initiative evolved into Canada Healthcare Bonds, reflecting a broader national vision and an opportunity to explore innovative, voluntary and sustainable approaches to strengthening healthcare across Canada. The underlying question remains unchanged: could Canadians choose to become active partners in supporting the future of their own healthcare system through long-term public investment?

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CURRENT ACTIVITIES

The Sleep Society and SleepSafeCanada are currently working to:

• Promote informed dialogue with provincial and federal governments regarding Canada Healthcare Bonds and innovative, sustainable and voluntary approaches to strengthening Canadian healthcare.
• Increase public awareness and understanding of the Canada Healthcare Bonds concept.
• Encourage dialogue with healthcare organisations, financial institutions, professional bodies and other stakeholders regarding the potential role of Healthcare Bonds in supporting Canada’s future healthcare needs.
• Develop educational resources outlining the proposal, its objectives and its potential contribution to healthcare, research, education, prevention and public health.
• Explore opportunities for collaboration with government, healthcare, industry, financial and philanthropic organisations to further develop and evaluate the concept.
• Encourage national discussion about how Canadians might become active partners in strengthening the long-term sustainability of their healthcare system.

ENDORSEMENTS

We welcome the endorsement of governments, healthcare organisations, universities, professional associations and public policy organisations that support the exploration of innovative approaches to strengthening Canadian healthcare.

PARTNERS

We collaborate with organisations that actively support discussion, development, education, research and public awareness relating to Canada Healthcare Bonds and its potential contribution to the future sustainability of Canadian healthcare.

SUPPORTERS

We gratefully acknowledge organisations, businesses and individuals who support the aims of Canada Healthcare Bonds and help raise awareness of the initiative within their communities and networks.

SPONSORS

We gratefully recognise organisations whose financial or in-kind support helps make this initiative possible and assists its development and national reach.

RESOURCES

Access background information, discussion papers, presentations, articles and downloadable resources relating to Canada Healthcare Bonds and its potential contribution to the future of Canadian healthcare.

SleepSafeCanada

Canada’s National Sleep Health Awareness Initiative

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SleepSafeCanada promotes public awareness of the importance of healthy sleep through Canada’s Sleep Calendar, national education campaigns, community engagement and public health initiatives that encourage healthier, safer and more productive lives.

A Better Sleep

Your Trusted Sleep Information Resource

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For additional public information, articles and downloadable resources relating to sleep health and the wider initiatives of SleepSafeCanada, please visit abettersleep.net. The site provides trusted, evidence-based information to help people better understand healthy sleep, sleep disorders and the lifelong importance of healthy sleep.

The Sleep Society

Canada’s Interdisciplinary Sleep Health Community

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The Sleep Society brings together healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, organisations and industry to advance sleep health through collaboration, education and research. Visitors can explore professional education, connect with Canada’s growing interdisciplinary sleep health community and locate healthcare professionals with an interest in sleep health.

GET INVOLVED

Help raise awareness of Canada Healthcare Bonds by sharing information, contributing ideas and supporting informed discussion about innovative, voluntary and sustainable approaches to strengthening Canada’s healthcare system.

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MEDIA CENTRE

Access news, media releases, campaign updates and other information relating to Canada Healthcare Bonds.

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TOGETHER

The Sleep Society has selected Web Hosting Canada as its Strategic Technology Partner, supporting the continued development, delivery and national growth of this initiative while helping build the digital infrastructure needed to support future collaboration across Canada.

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