title: Reflection on past practices is key.
abstract: There is no denying that determining the supply and demand of healthcare services is complex, as stated by Alvarez, Zelmer and Leeb in their essay. Many factors such as scope of practice, composition of healthcare teams and financing will be discussed as Canadians deliberate on the functioning of the healthcare system. As we strive to ensure an adequate supply of healthcare providers to meet future needs of Canadians, it is key that we reflect on past practices. Furthermore, it is necessary to undertake long-range projections, as each issue rests on the availability now and in the future of health professionals.
authors.affiliation: Canadian Nurses Association, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Little
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D006285:Health Planning / Q000639:trends*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends*; D006280:Health Workforce / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*