The Council replies: Letters to the editor

Our health system must help everyone

Guy Caron
The Ottawa Citizen, May 18, 2007
Re: See the bigger picture for health care, The Ottawa Citizen, May 15, 2007

Letter-writer Dr. Merrilee Fullerton suggests health care solutions for the long term are not being made. She is wrong. Many changes are being made to address health care wait times. Provinces and territories are implementing strategies such as centralized waiting lists and addressing worker shortages.

Ontario, like other parts of the country, has recognized that Canadians need a strong public health care system that helps all patients -- not only those who can afford to pay. Private health care coverage is not the way to go.

It has been proved that private health care is more expensive and drains the public system of resources. This leaves the most vulnerable, including seniors and low-income families, at risk.

Dr. Fullerton refers to Lindsay McCreith as "brave." But by Mr. McCreith's own admission, he went to a public hospital once. Then he hooked up with a private, for-profit company -- Timely Medical Alternatives Inc. -- that facilitated his tests and treatments in the United States. The company states very clearly on its website that patients who go with them should not expect reimbursement from their provincial health care plan. Still, Mr. McCreith asked Ontario for money. When the province said "no," he threatened to sue, with the backing of the Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF). The CCF promotes two-tier health care through court challenges. Mr. McCreith's so-called Charter challenge isn't about "fighting for the rights of all patients."

Public health care is the most cost-effective way to ensure health care is available for everyone. Private health care -- the "solution" suggested by Dr. Fullerton -- will only lead to more doctor shortages and longer wait times.

Guy Caron, Ottawa
The Council of Canadians

Further reading:

• Read more about the Council of Canadians' health care campaign
• Join thousands of Canadians who are standing up for public health care and telling politicians that "profit is not the cure."