MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2007

Canadian Medical Association disallows debate on controversial privatization policy

Vancouver – The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is not allowing its members to have an open and clear debate about the organization's recent health care privatization policy.

CMA leaders recently released a paper titled, "Medicare Plus: Toward a sustainable health care system in Canada." Now entering into the final day of the CMA's annual meeting, CMA delegates have not been given the opportunity to discuss this controversial document. In fact, the only discussion relating to health care privatization has been general motions by the CMA to study "payments by results" funding model which would have public hospitals and private clinics competing for patients, as well as a motion yesterday by the Ontario Medical Association asking that the CMA call for the opening of the Canada Health Act to introduce health care co-payments and savings accounts. The discussion of this motion took place after reporters covering the CMA meeting had left the room and was narrowly defeated by a vote of 50 per cent against to 48 per cent in favour.

The Council of Canadians is pleased that delegates followed its call for the expansion of medicare in the areas of long term care, home care and prescription drugs, also known as the "second stage" of Medicare. However, this small progress is hindered by the way the CMA's Medicare Plus paper undermines the first stage of medicare. The first stage eliminates financial barriers to health care services for all Canadians.

"People shouldn't be fooled - the CMA does have a privatization agenda. They're just not talking about it right now," said Guy Caron, health care campaigner with the Council of Canadians. "If Medicare Plus was such an important policy paper and direction for the CMA, then delegates should be able to have an open discussion about it. Canadians deserve to know how their doctors feel about dismantling the publicly-funded medicare system."

The Council of Canadians is encouraging doctors across the country to find alternative ways to make their voices heard on the issue of health care privatization.

"Groups like Canadian Doctors for Medicare are doing great work in this area," said Mr. Caron. "We applaud their efforts."

About us:

Founded in 1985, the Council of Canadians is Canada’s largest citizens’ organization, with members and chapters across the country. The organization works to protect Canadian independence by promoting progressive policies on fair trade, clean water, public health care, and other issues of social and economic concern to Canadians.

-30-

For more information, contact: Jan Malek, Communications Administrator: cell: 613-851-1483; or Carleen Pickard, BC Regional Organizer cell: 604-340-2455.

Visit profitisnotthecure.ca for live updates from Vancouver and to download fact sheets.