The Issues Series Vol. 1 - Health Care

The hot-button issue of late, Health Care is something that is sure to be a big deal this campaign. With differing philosophies regarding public and private care, wait times, and spending, the parties definitely have their work cut out for them in selling their respective packages, to the Canadian Voter. So, in no particular order, here are some of the key points on Health Care:

Liberal Party of Canada
The Liberals point out the money allocated towards health in the last budget, at just over $41 billion spent over 10 years. This includes working towards shorter waiting times, increased medical staff, and a national pharmaceutical strategy to be implemented by mid-2006. They also state goals towards improving access to health care for groups such as aboriginals, those requiring homecare, and to improve community and family care.

In the public versus private debate, the Liberals haven't really weighed in as of yet, more just stating a committment to the Canada Health Act.

Conservative Party of Canada
The Conservatives have mentioned their healthcare plans early in the campaign. Thus far it has been based on following the National Health Accord, designing a system to guarantee a minimum acceptable standard for wait times, and strengthening the public healthcare system so as to remove the additional need for an alternative.

NDP
Jack Layton and the NDP have thus far stated that they will fight any push towards a private system and will increase Health Care funding to the provinces.

Bloc Quebecois
The Bloc pushes for a more hands off approach from the federal government, while wanting increased federal funding.

The Green Party
The Green Party has a platform based around several things, including supporting universal health care, increasing promotion for a healthy living, activity, and healthy eating, and increasing research into and usage of alternative healing methods. They also take a fairly progressive stance on some of the more sensitive areas of medical research.


Thus ends volume one, for the moment at least. Should you have any comments, or notice any inaccuracies, please let me know, and I'll work to correct them.