Mr. Speaker, whatever sympathy the member might inspire by going generally in the right direction on values, she forfeits through her overstatement and misunderstanding.
I take the member to suggest that enforcement means amending the act. I take the member to insist that taking action means introducing a bill to change the Canada Health Act. She is wrong. Taking action, protecting medicare and standing up for the principles means doing exactly what we have undertaken to do, which is to watch what is happening on the ground.
If those private for profit hospitals use the power to charge for enhanced services at the same time as insured services in order to restrict access only to those with the cash or give preferred access to those willing to pay more, that will be a contravention of the act and we will act. We have the power, the political will and the mandate.
The leader of the New Democratic Party has just suggested that the only kind of action she thinks is appropriate is to amend the Canada Health Act. There is no need to amend the Canada Health Act. The principles, the purpose and the powers are already there.
This House, this member and Canadians have the solemn undertaking of this minister, the Prime Minister and this government that, if necessary, we will use that power to protect those principles not only in Alberta but throughout this land.