Mr. Speaker, I did not say that the system is in good shape. Let us be very clear about that. I said that the system was in need of urgent care.
What the hon. member across the way has been telling us over and over is kind of strange. Physicians are supposed to diffuse anxiety, help patients find a better way to get well and build a strong rehabilitative program for patients. Physician are not to panic, not to yell crisis, not to be a Chicken Little and say the sky is falling when it is not.
The medical association is saying that the system is in need of good acute care. We go to the emergency for good acute care. That acute care has occurred. This infusion of money into the system will help to give us the acute care we need. What is more important is that it will build a strong system for the future. That is what all health care economists like Robert Evans and many people across the country have been asking for.
Ten royal commissions across the country have said the same thing over and over, that there is a need to build new structures in the system. That is what the budget is doing. It is not just throwing money at the problem. We all know that throwing money at the problem will mean that in two year's time we will be asking for another $12 billion. That will not resolve the problem. As a physician the hon. member should know that very well.