Mr. Speaker, 30 years ago the Liberal government of Lester Pearson brought medicare to Canada. Although there were concerns expressed at that time about what the program would cost, the majority of Canadians applauded the initiative.
In the years since, Canadians, including Reformers, have come to put a high value on our health care system. It is tragic that today health care is under threat from the very same party that introduced it.
Health care is deteriorating rapidly and soon it may no longer be the envy of the world. Our huge debt and deficits and this government's refusal to update the 30-year old outdated Canada Health Act are combining to undermine and gradually destroy the system.
Canadians cherish their health care system. They demand solutions from their government instead of rhetoric that is hauled out of the archives from the 1960s.
Let us hope that in addition to the aluminum smelter museum in Shawinigan, the Prime Minister will not have to consider building a health care museum.