The key point about the SCOC decision, which some of the MSM are starting to get, is that is about one's right to buy private insurance/insurance to cover privately-delivered "medically necessary" health services (i.e. also delivered by the public system).

What the media have not pointed out in the past is that private delivery of medically-necessary services is not in fact illegal under the Canada Health Act. What is illegal under the health care legislation of most provinces is the buying of private insurance for such services. You could always pay cash--as is now the case at some private surgical clinics in Quebec. But because insurance is illegal, there is a very small potential market for any private facility that must charge the whole cost of procedures up-front.

Now what has to be made explicit is that this is not about allowing the "rich" to get private health care--which is how the media have been treating the issue of private payment for health care up till now.

The whole point of insurance is that one pays a moderate amount, and only to cover those risks one chooses, say joint replacement, over time so that when one needs care one can get it right away. And because one is covered by insurance one does not/not have to pay a large amount all at once to cover the cost of the procedure (the "only the rich") argument.

Thus allowing private insurance in fact makes rapid health service available at private facilities to a very wide range of people.

Now who will invoke the "Notwithstanding Clause" to save medicare as we know it? The Quebec Intergovernmental Affairs Minister has just said they would not rule it out.

Mark
Ottawa

Big tadda about nothing I think . .its a split decision and leaves the Fiberals loads of room to "Ride to the Rescue"

The irony is incredible.

They will claim they are saving "single tier Health Care.

We have multi tier health care now - only it is not wealthy people who jump the cue it is the select groups that get special attention that force two tier services. The special groups like, criminals in jail, natives, RCMP, Union WCB claimants, Sports heroes etc.

Ordinary slobs like you & me wait have to wait months or years.

Teh only winners in our current system are the public sector unions - they love monopolies on critical services. The have ZERO organizing costs and the union dues just roll into their coffers without having to lift a finger or spend a cent. Gotta love those closed shop, public sector health care unions.

The greatest irony is that Tommy Douglas fought FOR publicly funded health insurance and AGAINST public DELIVERY of health care. Even a soft core commie like TD new that big government is inefficient at delivering services.

Common sense is screwed in this country. I don't care anymore and have slipped over the edge - I am now an active supoprter of Quebec and Alberta seperation. The current mess cannot be fixed - it has to crash & burn first and then we can pick up the pieces.

Next referendum in Quebec I wil be working hard to fan the flames - anything to screw Fiberals and Dippers.

Naw- don't go to Quebec for your pacemaker insert. Go to India instead- it's cheaper, and they toss in a trip to Bollywood!

Pre - existing condition. No-one will give you coverage. Of course, if your independantly wealthy and can afford cash for the entire operation. :) majere

roger m roeder: the whole point is that with a public system, much of which is OK, you can then pick and choose what possible conditions you want extra coverage for from private insurance to cover those areas where the public system is poor--e.g. joint replacements.

And of course, the younger you buy the insurance, the cheaper the annual cost.

You'll still be paying taxes for the public system, but have the freedom to give yourself extra protection, at your own cost. Your choice, which is what freedom is all about.

Mark
Ottawa

I'm just glad we have 2 tier dental care...or we would all look like Austin Powers ...groovy baby