Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Ms. Hoffman, we're very fortunate to have the opportunity to ask you questions today.
I was looking at the principles of the Canada Health Act: universality, comprehensiveness, accessibility of care, portability, and public administration. Quebec has what is known as a two-tier system, with private clinics and such offering services. It's an issue that's come up before. In Canada, some $34 billion in funding is allocated across the health care sector.
What are the standards of care, in terms of the service quality the public can expect? Statistically, where do things stand, and what is the level of care provided? We talk a lot about public funding in the health care sector, but what we don't hear much about are important measures like response or wait times. I'm talking about how long members of the public and patients have to wait to receive services. As a result, those who can afford it have the option of accessing services through private clinics and the private sector, thus perpetuating the two-tier system.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on that.