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Medicare

Our Medicare is the triumph of values and economics.

It provides all Canadians with equal access to care on the basis of need, not wealth or privilege or status. Our Medicare is a vital aspect of our shared citizenship—what every Canadian can rightfully expect wherever they live, whatever their income. It is the clearest reflection of who we are and what we value.

But more than that, our Medicare is, quite simply, a good and sensible idea that works. Health spending in Canada is on par with most countries in the Western world and is substantially lower than in the United States.

And yet we devote a smaller portion of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to health care today than we did over a decade ago.

Our health outcomes, on almost every critical measure, are among the best in the world. A large majority of Canadians are highly satisfied with the quality and standard of care Medicare gives them.

Over the last 40 years our Medicare has served us very well. Our Medicare is worth celebrating and defending. But there is room for improvement. It is up to us to press for and win those improvements and still stay true to the idea and ideals of a universal, public health care program—our Medicare!

10 Steps for Better - Faster Care

Publications


 

Fraser Health Authority flouts Supreme Court ruling

Ignores restrictions imposed by Canada's top court when sections of Bill 29 were struck down as unconstitutional.

PM must be leader during 'National Medicare Week'

Canadian Health Coalition celebrating 30th anniversary defending Medicare and campaigning for a national pharmacare program.

Vernon-area mental health workers join BCGEU to make their workplace better

"We're honoured that they have chosen to join our organization for the security and certainty of a union contract." BCGEU president Darryl Walker

UPSE: LPNs not receiving appropriate education upgrade

Some LPNs are even worried that the program has been set up in a manner that will prevent them from succeeding.

Ontario's $1-billion eHealth consulting scandal

The private consultants behind the eHealth spending scandal weren’t able to contain themselves from pinching the public purse for every last dime." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Poll finds Albertans do not accept health care cuts

804 people surveyed across the province in mid-September by NRG Research Group.

NUPGE puts spotlight on mental health care

'We all need to learn more about the burden of mental illness on individuals, families and our society and try to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of those Canadians who are suffering in silence.' - James Clancy.

Alberta MRI funding cuts undermine public health care, says HSAA President

MRI wait lists already at unacceptable levels across Alberta. Decision will impact the lives of patients who are battling life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer or significant trauma.

LPN shortage harming PEI health care

Casual, part time and temporary lists depleted to the point where there is nobody to call when staff are sick. Resulting in overworked staff who are susceptible to burnout.

Medical bills cause 62.1% of all U.S. bankruptcies

'Our findings are frightening. Unless you're Warren Buffett, your family is just one serious illness away from bankruptcy.' - Harvard's Dr. David Himmelstein.

Vote for public health care on May 12, says HSABC

Detailed document on party health care positions compiled by the B.C. Health Coalition.

Clinic wants payment for sterilizing instruments

Fee charged to patients will be replaced with 'tray fee' paid by Alberta Health Care Insurance.

Senate report says Canada lags in care of seniors

'Sandwich generation' needs help coping simultaneously with children and aging parents.'

Study proves need for national elder care program

Five million Canadians provide care for their loved ones with long-term health problems.

Canada-wide blitz to keep health care public

Canadian Health Coalition challenges CMA president Dr. Robert Ouellet to stop misleading Canadians about private, for-profit health care.

They Deserve Better: CCPA book on long-term care

'[It] starts with the assumption that the conditions of work are the conditions for care.'

OPSEU withdraws from nursing home committee

'The absence of a staffing standard has already compromised quality care in the drive to maximize profits.'

OPSEU joins health coalition postcard campaign

Message to Premier Dalton McGuinty: Please fund our hospitals adequately to resolve their deficits and stop the cuts.

A NAFTA challenge to Medicare

By Larry Brown
National Secretary-Treasurer
National Union of Public and General Employees

Promise of 2003 national health accord not yet realized

Health Council of Canada reviews progress since historic agreement by Canada's first ministers

NUPGE continues campaign to save public Medicare system

'We can't stand still. We can either go back or we can go forward. The choice we make today will decide the future of Medicare in Canada.' - Tommy Douglas

National Union responds to new Health Council report

'The National Union has set out a 10-step plan for addressing wait-times and putting our Medicare system on stable footing. This report suggests that we are on the right track.' – James Clancy, NUPGE president