Mr. Speaker, on paper we have a health care system that sounds great. The Minister of Health and the Prime Minister are always talking about the five principles in the Canada Health Act-lots of talk with little action.
Our health care system, successfully pioneered in a regional health district in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, is crumbling. On paper health care in Canada is accessible. In reality the waiting lists for major surgery are growing. On paper health care is universal; however, different provinces cover different services and prescriptions in their health plans.
As the population ages, demand for health services is rising while the proportion of people paying for services is dropping. Debt servicing costs are rising while federal health funding is falling. How long will this have to continue before the government takes action rather than reading a paper called the Canada Health Act?
On paper Canada has a world class health care system. In reality when Canadians are sick or injured they have the right to be put immediately on a world class waiting list.