New Democrats urge federal government to stand up against U.S. style two-tier health

New Democrats urge federal government to stand up against U.S. style two-tier health

Today marks the day that Danielle Smith's Bill 11, a Bill that undermines the core principles of Canada's public universal healthcare system, officially comes into force. And yet, the Liberal government still won't stand up against this violation of the Canada Health Act.

"Canadian patients will see worse care at a higher price because of Bill 11, and the Liberal government is letting it happen", NDP Health critic Gord Johns said. "At a time when Canada's health care system is in crisis, and when our institutions are under attack from the United States, we need to strengthen our cherished public health care system, invest in health professionals, and support patients rather than tearing down our cherished public health care system".

Bill 11 was passed last year. Legal experts have called the legislation “the most extensive privatization of payment for medically necessary services in Canada since the Canada Health Act was enacted in 1984”. It comes into legal force today, establishing the legal framework for a privileged few to jump the queue by paying for services. This contravenes the Canada Health Act principles of comprehensiveness, accessibility, and universality.

"The Alberta government is opening the door wide for two-tier American-style health care that will enrich a handful of corporations but will hurt patients," Member of Parliament Heather McPherson said. "The Liberal government has the power to stop this. They can clearly stand up for public health care, and they can withhold federal funding for Danielle Smith unless she changes course."

In March, thousands of Canadians in communities from coast to coast to coast participated in rallies in support of public health care and against Bill 11. Despite this, the Liberal government has not acted to prevent this move.