(OTTAWA) - The Council of Canadians expresses its dismay at suggestions by Senator Michael Kirby that the government should consider opening the Canada Health Act in order to pave the way for more for-profit delivery of health care in Canada.

"Perhaps Mr. Kirby is allowing his own ties to for-profit medicine to taint his judgement," said Anil Naidoo, Campaigner for the Council of Canadians. The Liberal senator has been a Director of Extendacare, a for-profit long-term care corporation since 1985. "In the Senator's comments to media today, it is apparent his mind is clearly made up. We have to ask the government why he's been entrusted with this project at all."

"The government is using the Kirby committee as a set up to push for for-profit health care. This is just the latest step in a long line of Liberal assaults on the system: funding cuts, non-enforcement of the Canada Health Act, and a public relations strategy that puts the viability of the system in doubt.

The Council questions why the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology continues to look at the future of health care since the Romanow commission was struck in April 2001. While Romanow has refused to meet with the Council of Canadians and other concerned organizations, he is today meeting with the Chamber of Commerce.

"If the system is 'sick' it is because it is suffering from a thousand cuts. What it needs most is political commitment and sustained re-investment. We call on the Liberals to make that their focus, instead of being led by prescribed private sector solutions that Canadians neither want nor need," said Naidoo.