Roy Romanow took on the critics of his landmark report on medicare yesterday, warning against those who would hijack his commission to further their own interests.

In what he pledged would be his final appearance concerning the document for some time, Mr. Romanow warned that Canadians will not stand for further provincial-federal battles as the two sides begin talks this week on how to change the system.

"As I am no longer a politician seeking elective office, I tell you I feel very comfortable ignoring that old political maxim 'never explain, never complain,' " he said in a speech at Queen's University. "I don't want to see the reform agenda which Canadians have asked me to articulate for them being hijacked, to be very blunt about it, by other interests."

He told the group that he wanted to set the record straight, "in the hope of shedding light on what my report actually says, versus the interpretations given to it by those who want to use it as a wedge or cudgel to advance their own agenda."

Mr. Romanow refrained from naming individuals. However, Alberta Premier Ralph Klein and Quebec's Bernard Landry both severely criticized the document just after its release last week, saying its adoption by Ottawa would constitute an invasion of provincial jurisdiction over health care. Mr. Landry had even suggested calling an election on the issue.

The massive report calls on the federal government to deliver $15-billion in targeted health-care money over the next three years to fund programs dealing with home care and manageable drug costs, to purchase diagnostic equipment and to enhance rural residents' accessibility to care. Mr. Romanow has also said the provinces should be subject to conditions before being able to draw down the money, a recommendation that has particularly irked Mr. Landry.

"To those who say the money should simply be provided -- just give us the cash, Ottawa, and get out of our lives -- without an accountability framework and without an agreement on objectives, I respectfully and not so mildly disagree," Mr. Romanow said.

He added that those critics who believe he is intent on trampling over provincial authority could not be farther from the truth.

He explained that provinces would have significant flexibility in how they use the money. For example, provinces that already have substantial home-care programs could use the cash to expand their existing efforts in the area or to improve access to them. He noted that the Social Union Framework Agreement agreed to by the provinces and Ottawa allows provinces who do not need the entire federal transfer to reinvest it in related areas.

He also expressed concern with the way some critics have interpreted his plan for a national health council that would report publicly about how money is being spent. Individuals such as Mr. Klein have called it a watchdog agency, a term that Mr. Romanow rejects.

"The notion is contrary to the spirit of my report, which focuses on collaboration, not policing."

Asked later if some individuals were misrepresenting his report, Mr. Romanow said yes.

"I think it's fair comment to say that I think it has been misportrayed in some areas."

He also refused to comment on the criticisms of Senator Michael Kirby, who said Mr. Romanow's report does not adequately address how the system should be financed.

In Edmonton last night for a fundraising dinner, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien said he is sure the federal and provincial governments can work together on health-care changes.

He credited Mr. Klein for his role in achieving consensus on health funding two years ago, calling him "the dean of the premiers," and said Alberta has been a leader on accountability, which is a tenet of Mr. Romanow's report.

"Ralph Klein has always been a positive force in these discussions. He has a style all his own and I guess I do too. But most of the time we work very well together."

Mr. Chrétien also said his government will try to develop a federal-provincial approach to health-care change. If all sides can agree on a plan for significant change, the federal government will devote the necessary funds.

"This is not a matter for partisan politics. It is no place to score political points," he said.