April 16, 2004 For immediate release OTTAWA - April 17, 2004 marks the 20th anniversary of the Canada Health Act, the cornerstone of Canada's health care system. The legislation is based upon Canada's commitment to a publicly funded health care system for Canadians, where access to medical care is based on need rather than ability to pay. "The Canada Health Act is internationally recognized as progressive legislation," said Health Minister Pierre Pettigrew. "It has become a practical expression of the values of fairness, equity, and solidarity that define us as a country. Medicare is part of our heritage." Canadians firmly support a strong national publicly funded health care system. For example, a majority of Canadians continue to see our health care system as a defining characteristic of Canada and as something that makes them proud to be a Canadian. The Prime Minister has stated that the Government of Canada will fortify our health care system and uphold the values of Canada's most cherished social program. As a result, the Government of Canada will ensure that the system is properly funded and sustainable. To that end, the Prime Minister will meet with Canada's premiers and leaders to develop a long-term plan and a sustainable solution for the long-term viability of Canada's health care system. The major impetus for the Act was the report by Justice Emmett Hall in 1979 which warned that extra-billing by doctors and user charges levied by hospitals were creating a two-tiered system that threatened Canadians' access to care. The legislation, passed unanimously by Parliament in 1984, affirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to a universal, accessible, comprehensive, portable and publicly administered health insurance system. In February 2003, all First Ministers reiterated their commitment to these principles in the provision of medicare. "This government will ensure that Canadians continue to enjoy the benefits of a single-tier health care system. This was the intent of the Canada Health Act in 1984 and we remain committed to its principles today," said Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of State (Public Health). -30- Media Inquiries: Paige Raymond Kovach Health Canada (613) 948-4629 Sébastien Théberge/Adèle Blanchard Office of Minister Pettigrew Minister of Health Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Responsible for Official Languages (613) 957-0200 Pettigrew-Communications@hc-sc.gc.ca Suzanne Cowan Office of the Minister of State (Public Health) (613) 941-8081 Public Inquiries: (613) 957-2991
