|
Ontario Health Coalition |
OP/ED |
Health Care Is Us
The most important issue on the national stage since the failed Meech Lake Accord is presently being discussed between the country's First Ministers.
Paul Martin wants to be seen as the saviour of medicare as he attempts to deliver on his campaign promise to shorten waiting lists for medical treatment. The fact that he now leads a minority government in parliament should help speed things along.
Our health care system is in a real crisis, make no mistake about that. Chronic underfunding and lack of political leadership have contributed to the problems at hand.
The real challenge facing our First Ministers is to accept and live by the founding principles of the Canada Health Act. These are, in no particular order, accessibility, universality, portability, comprehensiveness and public administration.
The spirit in which these principles were developed and negotiated over the past 40 years has been violated by those who would profit from the misfortunes of others. It continues to be violated by a vocal minority that still believes the delivery of our health care system is better left to the marketplace, even though it has been proven that privatization will not fix the problems that persist since medicare was first introduced.
More than any other social program, our medicare system defines us as Canadians and reflects our national values. It is a sign of a caring and compassionate society. It is the envy of many of the most developed nations on this globe.
Our health care system transcends political boundaries. The vast majority of Canadians want to see it improved and kept in public hands. It matters little how we got into this mess, only that a way must be found out of the darkness that has haunted the debate for far too long already.
People need to pay particular attention to the negotiations that are now taking place, for the results will have a profound effect on our collective wellbeing.
Yes, the federal government must put more money into the system, but the provinces must also accept that there be strings attached in order to honour the five principles outlined above. Providing some flexibility to the provinces and territories goes without saying in such a geographically and socially diverse country. Striking the proper balance will be the key to success.
Fundamental change is required to reform our health care system. Canadians demand and deserve better. It is evident that the First Ministers have heard our message loud and clear. It now remains to be seen if they have the political will and the leadership skills required to cure our ailing system.
Ben Lefebvre
Porquis Junction, ON
September 14th, 2004