Mr. Speaker, our system of public health was created by Canadians who believed that all citizens deserve equal access to high quality medical care regardless of where they live in this great country. Canadians I have spoken to are proud of this accomplishment.
Today our health care system is under stress. Both service demand and costs are rising while hospitals and medical personnel are attempting to stretch their budgets to new limits. Clearly the realities of health care have changed over the last 30 years. While we know more about illness prevention, we continue to depend on technology and drugs to cure ailments that might be addressed at a lower cost with equal success.
It is time to engage in open, inclusive debate to address the challenges of our health care system. I believe we can continue to provide Canadians with the care they deserve by renewing our health care system and addressing today's realities.