Growing debate over the future of Canada’s public health care system
A growing debate over the future of Canada’s public health care system has reached this province. NAPE, and the NL NDP are calling on government to protect publicly funded care.
As Alberta pushes ahead with expanding private healthcare, concerns are growing that the changes could ripple beyond the province’s borders.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest public sector union and the provincial NDP are warning the move could put Canada’s universal healthcare system at risk. NAPE President Jerry Earle says he understands the frustration residents often have across the country, with long wait times in the health care sector. But says it’s time to put pressure on government to resolve those issues.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn is echoing those concerns, and wrote to Prime Minister Mark Carney to protect and invest in Canada’s public healthcare system.
“Allowing private, for-profit healthcare to take hold within our public system will not improve health outcomes for Canadians. Instead, it will undermine the public healthcare system and create a two-tiered system that leaves many people waiting longer or paying for the care they need, further straining already stretched household budgets,” Dinn wrote. “I urge your government to review this legislation with the founding principle of Canada’s public healthcare system in mind: universal access based on need, not the ability to pay.”
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