Conservatives’ fiscal choices undermining sustainability of Canadian health system

OTTAWA – The news out of the Council of the Federation does not bode well for the future of our health system, according to NDP leader Jack Layton. NDP Deputy Leader and Finance Critic Thomas Mulcair (Outremont) added that the Conservatives’ fiscal decisions may undermine the health care system.

“Mr. Flaherty’s statements are very serious because they show that he doesn’t believe in Canadian federalism,” said Mr. Layton. “When it comes to health care, the federal government’s role is to ensure that all citizens receive the same level of services, regardless of the province in which they live. It might trouble the Conservatives’ and their right-wing ideology, but Ottawa’s role is quite clearly to ensure equal protection from sickness.”

The Conservatives’ fiscal decisions are directly responsible for the confrontation looming between Ottawa and the provinces. “Stephen Harper and Jim Flaherty have decided to sacrifice public services on the altar of tax cuts to the most profitable businesses,” said Mr. Mulcair. “The Conservatives’ ideological blinders are a serious threat to our free and universal health-care system. The Conservatives are heading down a very dangerous path and all Canadians will have to pay the price.”

The Canadian health system is already under severe pressure, and inequalities are beginning to emerge. The media reported this week that not all Canadians have equal access to cancer screening facilities. “It’s absurd we have a law to ensure equal care for all Canadians, but the government does nothing to enforce it,” said NDP Health Critic Megan Leslie (Halifax). “The health of all Canadians is at stake here.”

The NDP has put forward various proposals to help the provinces and Canadians reduce health costs. Inspired by the actions of several provinces, the NDP is calling for a Canada-wide pharmacare program that would reduce costs and allow for bulk purchasing.