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Memo to Commissioner Roy Romanow: |
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Ottawa - Sunday, June 30, 2002 - by: Walter Robinson, Federal Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation | |
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health |
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third-world |
Although we cling to the faint hope that Mr. Romanow’s report this fall will address the unsustainable pay-as-you-go funding structure of health care, recommend modernization of the Canada Health Act, come to grips with demographic realities and facilitate an expansion of high-tech medicine that will raise Canada from it’s current third-world ranking in this area, we should nonetheless prepare ourselves for a letdown. |
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cost |
Romanow’s comments, especially those in which he rules out ‘radical’ changes to medicare are very disappointing. And in the interests of an informed debate some of his other assertions need to be brought into question. In a speech to the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) on June 25th, Romanow is quoted as saying medicare was “the right road to take” 40 years ago and that “any objective evaluation” shows that it is a cost-efficient way to deliver health. |
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why is |
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During his remarks before the Candian Nurses Association, Mr. Romanow also stated, |
values |
“medicare is quintessentially Canadian because it embodies both social justice and fiscal prudence. Some Canadians do not share these values. But the vast majority of Canadians have told me loudly: As we remodel the medicare house we must maintain these values as its strong foundation.” |
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behind |
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evidence |
With respect to options for greater private delivery and financing of health care Mr. Romanow challenges advocates to come forward to show that it saves money, improves timely access, quality and is accountable. Specifically, he said, |
“if anyone does have that evidence, now is the time to bring it forward. Because, to date, it has be notable by its absence.” |
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what |
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selective |
It seems that Mr. Romanow is selectively considering the evidence, both domestic and international, in what is increasingly becoming a foregone conclusion of the limited vision and direction his November report will offer. |
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continue |
Mr. Romanow, these questions must be answered. Your mind and your inquiry should emulate a parachute, both of which work best when they are open. If you’re not prepared to objectively look at the questions posed above, then please return our 15 million dollars. We may need it to purchase better health care abroad as Canada’s health care system will no doubt continue to deteriorate. |
Walter Robinson Federal Director |
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