In the past year I found myself in need of emergency care. St-Mary's hospital in Montreal treatment me so well, I wondered if they thought I was famous. After being admitted, I was seen by both my family's GP and the Chief Obstetrician. I was unfortunately hospitalized for seven days and then sent home with follow-up care from the NDG-CLSC, which had been arranged at the hospital. During the week I lay in bed, I was visited by the hospital's social worker, a liaison nurse and the floor administrator who made sure I got my vegetarian meals and a Montreal Gazette every morning. I am eternally grateful for Canadians like Tommy Douglas.
Eve Pankovitch

Having returned to Ontario this year after living in the United States for nearly seven years, I have experience of both the Canadian and American systems. While both need work, the Canadian system is a far better place from which to start. There is a common perception that there are no waiting lists in the States, and that is true for those who have money or excellent insurance. My husband was refused an MRI when we lived in Memphis. There was no debate, no discussion and no follow up to see if he regained the full use of his legs. Our insurance wouldn't pay for an MRI and we couldn't afford one out of pocket. That was the end of the hospital's involvement.
F.C.R.

Only someone who has never been ill or who doesn't work in medicine would rate Canada's health care "system" a being "above average". I am a doctor who trained and worked in Canada for 10 years. I saw the system (which started off marginal at best) become worse and worse as the years went by. I left Canada and now practice in the U.S. I can tell you that medicine is better here for the patients and for the people who work in the system. Canadians could learn a lot from their southern neighbors, despite all the propaganda that says otherwise.
Dr. Carl Janzen

My experience with the health care system in Canada has been very positive. I returned to Canada last October after living in the United States for 10 years. My medical expenses were $500 for 3 months plus a deductible of $5,000 before the medical system would pay one dime. The only problem with Canada's medical system is the wait for some services and a lack of doctors. I can't understand how Canadians complain about medical costs when they pay next to nothing. If they had to pay for everything they might appreciate what they have.
Denyse Gillies

While I am grateful that all citizens benefit from the equality of our health care system, I am frustrated by the lack of access to current/modern/alternative drug therapies and the lengthy waits if you can get a referral to a specialist. I have a non-fatal but frustrating condition with my thryoid and cannot get access to a GP that is willing to try different prescriptions that are available in Europe and the US. It is not right that one needs to have a fatal condition in order to get proper care. Unless we want to be taxed out of existence, we need to start paying for non-essential services and we need to give everyone the right to pay for what they need right here in Canada. I feel that I am being denied my right to obtain the care that I need in the name of maintaining the status quo.
B Forrest

I have spent my career working in both the US and in Canada. Having experienced both systems, I can only say that the American system is far superior. Most people have not experienced the US system yet seem ready to condemn it. On another note, over the past few weeks there have been several "leaks" regarding the Romanow Report. Should we be surprised about his conclusions after examining his political stripes? My sense is that this process has been biased from the start.
Steven Gable

I have received some very good as well as some very poor health care in Canada. I am very proud of the Canadian health-care system and believe that it reflects the fundamental Canadian value of social justice. However, something needs to be fixed. A user fee might be a good start. More clinics and access to medical information without having to actually go to the hospital might also take some of the pressure off the system.
C.E. Knox