That's uniquely Canadian, you're right. But the expression that comes to mind is, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it.”
Dr. Ouellet, does the Canadian Medical Association have a position on the shortage of doctors that you referred to? You cited the example of someone who is a resident and for whom we could extend the period during which that person pays no interest. I find that idea very interesting.
But I also wanted to ask you something: to the extent that we also have a lot of people who are capable of becoming doctors but who have been trained outside Canada, have you considered tax or other measures that could facilitate their transition if, for example, they have to study for a year or two in order to supplement their knowledge so as to adapt it to North America? The Americans ultimately find it a lot easier to recruit and integrate doctors trained outside the country than we do in Canada. As the former President of the Office des professions du Québec for six years—where we met—I'm familiar with the reasons why we are reluctant here and I know where the stumbling blocks are.
Perhaps you could share your thoughts on the subject with us.