Most people don't know this is happening
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- Published on Monday, 11 August 2014 14:20
- Written by editor
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A dangerous legal attack on Canada’s public health care system goes to court in just one month and most people in Canada haven’t heard anything about it. We need your help to change that now.
For-profit clinic owner Brian Day is trying to use the court to strike down the rules that prevent a US-style system in Canada.
This case poses a huge threat.
If Dr. Day wins, the public system that Canadians rely on – and overwhelmingly support – will be dismantled across the country.
If you’re shocked to hear this, you’re not alone. Despite the serious risk this case poses to our health, communities, and economy, it’s had very little coverage in the media.
We need your help to change that. We know that the public debate around cases like this is just as important as what unfolds in the courtroom.
This week we’re packing papers across the country with Letters to the Editor about this case. Can you make sure people in your community know about this threat? Send a letter now
Dr. Day claims that the defining principle at the heart of Canadian Medicare – that health services be provided according to patients’ needs, not their ability to pay – is unconstitutional.
His challenge will be heard in the BC Supreme Court starting on September 8th this year. Though the challenge is launched in B.C., it has the potential to bring US-style care to Canadians across the country.
Evidence shows that the kind of system Dr. Day is seeking would lead to longer wait times for care and poorer health for Canadians. On top of that, there is no evidence that private, for-profit care results in better care – not anywhere in the world.[1]
Help get the word out. Submit a letter to the Editor now.
Dr. Day’s true motives are clear. A provincial audit of Day’s Cambie Surgery Centre and the associated Specialist Referral Clinic found that patients were unlawfully extra-billed $491,654 in just 30 days.
In one case, a Cambie patient was billed $7,215.00 for services that would only have cost $1,288.04 in the BC health care system. Auditors also found over $66,000 in overlapping claims – evidence that suggests double dipping for the same services.[2]
We need to make sure this dangerous legal challenge is struck down so that we can get on with the work of improving a system that cares for all of us. In order to do that, we need to get the word out in our communities about this threat. Send a letter now.
With gratitude for your commitment to a caring, sustainable, and equitable Canadian health care system,
Edith MacHattie
Co-chair, BC Health Coalition
As Interveners in the case, the BC Health Coalition is working hard to ensure this legal challenge in defeated so we can get on with the work of improving a system that cares for all of us. Your support is crucial – send a letter to the editor today, and if you can, please donate to the campaign. Thank you.
Sources:
[1] Keindler, SA. Policy Strategies to reduce waits for elective care: A synthesis of international evidence. Br Med Bull 2010; doi: 10.1093/bmb/ld1014.
Devereaux, P.J., Choi, P.T., Lacchetti, C., Weaver, B., Schunemann, H.J., Haines, T., et al. (2002). A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing mortality rates of private for-profit and private not-for profit hospitals. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 166(11), 1399-1406.
[2] Medical Services Commission audit report
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