During these difficult fiscal times, the health system must adapt and change. And, it must do so at a faster rate than ever before. The fourth principle is portability. It means that Canadians maintain their health plan coverage when they travel or move. The portability principle, however, is rooted in one of the fundamental elements underpinning our federation.
Portability recognizes our right of mobility.
Canadians are free to work and travel anywhere in the country without fear of losing their health insurance coverage. It would not be fair to say that we are citizens of Canada no matter where we live, and then put up a barrier to moving within Canada, especially a barrier that concerns the most vital of a person's interests. The fifth, and final, principle is public administration. Our health insurance plans must be operated by provincial governments on a non-profit basis. I believe this principle too often gets short shrift.