LETTER

Two-tier health care? 

 

I have read about the staff layoffs in two hospitals across the river in Ottawa.  At the same time, I also read about Ontario’s “Sunshine List” where, in 2015, 111,438 public employees are earning more than $100,000 per year.  I sought similar information about Quebec - on both fronts - but could find none.  I will assume that conditions are proportionate-to-population in both provinces. 

 

In 2015, it's reported that there are over 198,000 millionaires in Ontario (number one in Canada) and over 80,000 millionaires in Quebec (number two).  Additionally, many Canadians from the “Baby Boom Generation” have inherited fortunes, from money saved diligently by their parents, part of the “Greatest Generation” (the Depression and World War II). I will put all these points into context shortly, but first I want to talk about Quebec's health-care situation.

 

Eighty percent of Quebecers use the health-care system each year.  These statistics are from 2012: 4.6 million visits to the doctor, 3.8 million to emergency, 5.3 million medical consultations, 476,000 surgeries.  The health sector employs 400,000 people, 276,000 of them in the public system.  At 12% of Quebec's economy, health-care is the most important sector.

 

According to a recent Quebec budget, health-care consumes 45% of all provincial program spending, up from 31% in 1980.  At that rate of growth, health care will take two-thirds of all government program spending within two decades. But Quebec has a more acute demographic problem than the rest of the country. 

Between 2010 and 2030, its workforce is projected to drop by between 3 and 4 percent.  Prior to last year's oil industry drop and its effect on Canada's economy, Ontario's workforce was expected to rise during the same two-decade period, by about 12 percent. With fewer Quebec workers and more retired people, government's income will erode (without adjustments) and will put more pressure on the public health-care system.  

 

Let me get back to my original points: 

1) Governments, wishing to restrain tax increases, are cutting staffing in all areas - including health-care. 

2) Thanks to union agreements, those who continue to work in government-related industries (teachers, civil servants, health care providers, etc) will increasingly see higher incomes relative to private sector workers. 

3) There is a growing number of millionaires in Canada (422,000 in 2012, a 7.2% increase over the year before). 

4) The “Boomers” will continue to inherit small, medium, and large fortunes.  As a result, more Canadians have and will continue to enjoy disposable incomes which can be used for various purposes - including health-related.  

 

We have to face some undeniable facts.  With the growing numbers of “baby boomers” retiring, there will be a corresponding growing need for more medical attention for these seniors.  Even if Quebec and Ontario have additional health-care premiums - (in Quebec, built in; in Ontario - added on), the public health-care system, at its current rate, is unsustainable in terms of timely delivery of services.  Canada already has a two-tier system when you consider that eye care, dental care, physiotherapy, prescription medications, etc, are not covered by the provincial health card.  I think it's time to allow for private health care to allow the wealthy to get quicker service from private doctors/clinics/hospitals, thereby allowing for quicker service for the average Canadian.

 

Steve d'Eça

Aylmer