News: Could Canada’s Medicare be at risk?

Oh, Canada. I find it ironic that, in light of the historic healthcare-reform vote in the U.S. last week, we are now being told that our Medicare system isn’t working financially.

Bank of Canada governor David Dodge told Liberals at a conference in Montreal this weekend that Canada’s escalating healthcare costs are becoming unsustainable as the population ages, reports the Canadian Press. Dodge offered several solutions to reduce soaring healthcare costs, including the oft-debated two-tier system.

Michael McBane, co-ordinator of the Canadian Health Coalition, countered by telling a panel that Medicare costs have been stable for 35 years, and what has increased is the cost of prescription medications. He also told reporters that his group spoke to Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff’s office to remind them that the idea of privatized healthcare is generally unpopular with Canadians.

While that may be true, a new study reveals that we also see a need for change. A Health Canada study released today shows that 44 percent of Canadians surveyed are content with the current healthcare system, reports the Ottawa Citizen. However, 43 percent of study participants said they think several minor changes should be made to the system.

So, which political party is going to be brave enough to delve into the problem of fixing the Canadian healthcare system? Are any of our political leaders strong enough to tackle this issue?

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