Mr. Chairman, I have often been critical of the federal government when it comes to health policy. However when it comes to the Alliance policy I find some of its proposals outright frightening.
During the last election the Alliance was on record as supporting two-tier health care. It has come out as being opposed to strict enforcement of the Canada Health Act. It has given credence to shifting more costs onto individuals through medical savings accounts or user fees. It voted down a bill in the House that would have banned private hospitals. Last week an Alliance member told the Romanow commission the Alliance would favour private, for profit health service delivery and private pay options to offer more choices to Canadians.
Members can see our concern and the concern of Canadians. It is incumbent on the Alliance health critic to clarify his party's position and indicate whether he is prepared to join Canadians in the fight for non-profit public health care.