FFWD Weekly
Copyright © 2000. All Rights Reserved
Rant & Rave
by Jack LockeIf Alberta Premier Ralph Klein wants to introduce an American-style pay-or-pray health care system, he should just up and say so. By not being forthright, the premier is liable to develop an ulcer.
Rather than spending a half-million bucks to persuade Albertans that Bill 11 (the Alberta Health Care Protection Act) conforms to the universal ideals of the Canada Health Act, the Klein government should just admit its American objective. Instead they are beating around the political bush by giving us subtle hints of their intentions (see illustration).
While not wanting to wish my faithful monarch harm, I am starting to worry about his governing health. Klein’s Bill 11 is a viral piece of legislation that is liable to spread to Canada’s nine other provincial limbs and phalanges. The proposed law – while appropriately named in one respect – does not protect the vast majority of Albertans. However, it certainly protects Alberta’s free-enterprising medical swashbucklers who are more comfortable in a loans manager’s office than an examining room.
If nothing else, the Alberta government should rename Bill 11 to reflect a more accurate moniker. Perhaps they could call it Bill II or Bill Twice, as the proposed act allows for Albertans to purchase "enhanced medical goods or services" at an additional cost.
"Would you like stitches or barbed wire?"
Unfortunately, the bill is silent as to whether a 15 per cent gratuity is required.
Mr. Klein should know that if he wishes to plant a scalpel in the Canada Health Act, he should call a scalpel a scalpel. By not doing so, he is going to cause himself a lot of internal bleeding.
Of course, if Ralph’s ulcer should rupture, on his salary he’ll be able to fly to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota to have it repaired. When you want the best, ask for extra Mayo! Heaven forbid that a man of our honourable premier’s eminence should have to wait in line like the rest of us.
| Back To This Issue Table of Contents | Back To Main Index |