Today, I’m thinking about the Town of Gander in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The people of Gander helped thousands of airline passengers and crew stranded in their town following the horrific events of September 11, 2001.
I think about the people of Gander and their actions on that fateful day whenever I hear politicians say that a government-run social program like Medicare is what defines us as Canadians.
There are government-run health care systems throughout the world. If Medicare is viewed as the most important measure for defining us as Canadians then we have failed to realize our full potential in creating the Canadian identity.
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Wow, that’s really profound and right on the money. I left Canada 7 years ago because my wife was crippled by a 2 year wait for surgery. I still love my country (Canada), I just dont think politicians should be allowed to tell me when I can or can not receive medical care in my own country. I could have gotten a joint replacement for my dog, but not my wife. That is simply wrong
Ralph,
You raise some great questions. Why is it legal for us to purchase medically necessary services for our pets but not for ourselves? Why do politicians decide the amount and type of medical services we receive? This is wrong, the whole system is wrong.
Ralph,
I hope your wife is doing well. I too know how you feel. My son has a rare disease (1 of 125 children worldwide) and living in a province that has the only child with it (there are 4 adults) our Pediatric Hospital does not have a specialist that deals with all aspects of his disease. Long story short I have had to bring him to an American hospital to get the help that he needs, and deserves, yet our government has seen fit to only help with less than $600.
My son is doing amazingly well for now thanks to his Dr at the NIH and they have payed 100% of the medical bills. The great people of Newfoundland have stepped up to the plate and have fund raisers that help us to fly, eat and sleep when we need it. These strangers have come through and helped us bring him there 6 times in 4 short years because “That’s how Newfoundlander’s roll”.