Ottawa
Canada’s Supreme Court last week struck down a Quebec law banning private insurance for medical treatment. The ruling gives new momentum to a drive to legalize private clinics as an alternative to the government’s universal health-care system, which has been plagued by a shortage of doctors and long waits for surgery. “Patients die as a result of waiting lists,” Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin said. Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh said allowing some patients to get private care, either through insurance or direct payments, would undermine Canada’s commitment to providing equal treatment for all. “We need to strengthen the public health-care system,” Dosanjh said, “so there is no need for private health care.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
July 5 editorial cartoonsCartoons Saturday’s political cartoons include an extrajudicial detainment camp, 'alligator Alcatraz', and tax cuts for billionaires.
-
5 explosively funny cartoons about the 4th of JulyCartoons Artists take on liberty and justice for all, a terrifying firework, and more
-
Jeff in Venice: a "triumph of tackiness"?In the Spotlight Locals protest as Bezos uses the city as a 'private amusement park' for his wedding celebrations
