ly the reform and restructuring of the method of operation of the current system, but that would change the system entirely. The proposed idea? In provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia, The Canadian Government is looking into increasing the role of the private sector in the current health care system. On December 29th, 1999, Nancy MacBeth leader of the Alberta liberal party was cited in the Edmonton Journal as saying: “ There’s ‘ample evidence’ that the Alberta government’s plan to expand the role of private health-care will contravene the Canada Health Act.” This is the strongest argument against privatization. It reflects the fears of many Canadians, the fear that a two-tier system similar to that of the United States will develop. The fear that the system, which was built upon values, reflected in five principles will be eroded and replaced and that they will be the ones left to suffer the consequences. According to Wilson (1995), Privatization of health care would undermine the principles of the Canada Health Act and as such would undermine the integrity of the Canadian Health Care system. The Evolution of Canadian Health Care In 1966 one of Canada’s most prided achievements to date was introduced to the Canadian Health Care system, and that was the implementation of Canadian Medicare. This new program of Medicare was a daring and innovative concept pioneered by Canadians for Canadians, Armstrong and Armstrong (1996). It revolutionized health care. Canadians overwhelmingly supported the new system as it reflected their values and the import they placed on universality and equal access to health care. Now, in the beginning of the new millennium, the ideals of the same system are in jeopardy. Canadians are at present feeling the effects of the restructuring of health care. Accessibility and quality are being threatened due to cutbacks coupled with a lack of funding. There is a ...
