“Ottawa open to revising Canada Health Act, source says” (Canadian Press March 25, 2004)

Recently federal government officials have expressed interest in “revising” the Canada Health Act. When pressed, they insist that they have no intention of changing the five principles of medicare, but rather of “clarifying” them. Given the Martin government’s predilection for free market solutions, perhaps we should be skeptical. Here are some ideas of how the government might go about “clarifying” the principles:

  • Universality: If you are ill, you can search for treatment somewhere in the universe.
  • Accessibility: This word will be changed in spelling only, without any change in sound, to “access-a-bill-IT,” meaning that when you receive health care, you will be billed from the information technology division of a private company.
  • Comprehensiveness: The definition of a “medically-necessary” service will be slightly altered to one which guarantees permanent prevention of death.
  • Portability: Services covered by medicare in Alberta (once Ralph gets finished with his health reform) will be available across the country.
  • Public administration: All insurance and services will be provided by companies that are publicly-traded (i.e. whose shares are open to purchase by all.) What could be more public than that?