Mr. Speaker, Canadians regard our health care system as a fundamental part of our national identity. In all regions of Canada, whenever they are consulted, the people of Canada express very clearly that they expect governments at all levels to preserve and protect our national system of health care.
Canadians insist that we maintain a single tier system equally accessible to all Canadians based on need and not on one's ability to pay. This government agrees with this fundamental principle of fairness. Provincial premiers who think they can ignore the national health care act and the wishes of the Canadian people had better think again.
It is pathetic to see irresponsible right wing premiers slashing health services only to restore funding later because they admit they got carried away.
Canadians treasure our health care system but they are worried about its future. This Liberal government can and will ensure that the system is improved and maintained for the good health of all Canadians; one national system accessible to all Canadians on the basis of need and not on their ability to pay.