Long live freedom of expression. Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned about the erosion of universal health care in some provinces, notably Ontario. A Canada-wide health net is more, not less, important in difficult financial times like these. Canadians need the confidence of knowing that they can get good care when they feel sick. In Ontario fees have been introduced for prescription drugs.
Many people arrive at the pharmacy without knowing that they have to pay.
Now Ontario is going to charge sick people waiting in hospitals for a transfer to other care facilities. I realize that the financial circumstances of the federal government are difficult. As a result, these are dangerous times for the only level of government that can enforce national standards in areas such as health. Difficult though it may be, I urge the federal government to do everything in its power to preserve universal, single tier health care in Canada. Our hearts were pierced by that obvious injustice.