Healthy Choices

As per usual, Ralph Klein is the one to toss the fox among the chickens.

Klein is proposing changes to the Alberta Health Care system and began his consultations yesterday, coincidentally "Self-injury Awareness Day" in the U.S.

And "Beer Day" in Iceland, if you care.

His proposals would allow individuals to pay for services out their own pocket, and jump the queue.

Some people think this would contravene the Canada Health Act.

And as John Ibbitson writes in todays Globe, Harper is in a bit of pickle. He has advocated for private healthcare, and advocated for Klein to tell Ottawa to get stuffed if they have anything to say about. And Klein has both the cajones and the cash to do it.

But there is an opportunity here for a real debate on healthcare, not just the delivery system. The private sector already plays a significant role in delivering healthcare, and no Canadian can say they've never seen a private practioner... or GP in common parlance.

We've wound up talking about wait times, and guarrantees when we should be discussing what we are to do.

So where should the private sector be involved? Should doctors be allowed to work in both public and private systems?

I am not convinced that the private sector delivers health care more effectively or more cheaply than a single-tier public system does.

Certainly, there does appear anecdotally to be more available in the US private system, but available to a select few who are beholden to their HMO.

Anyone who has lived through the British mixed system will likely tell you that it isn't as good as the Canadian system.

I am also suspect that the notion that simply allowing a two-tier system or private hospitals will solve anything. It's a complex issue, and won't be solved by such a simplistic response which appears to be grounded in an ideology more than common sense or practical reality.

And there is our opportunity in the coming leadership race, and policy work. Where do we stand?

For ideology or practical solutions?