I was surprised to read the editorial by Hébert and colleagues, which implied that Canada’s health care system is financially sustainable when the evidence clearly shows that it is not.1 From 2000–2009, the federal government’s revenue increased 22%,2,3 and Ontario’s revenue increased 49%.4,5 Meanwhile, Ontario’s health care costs increased by an unsustainable 88%.4,5
With rapidly expanding expensive investigative tools, treatments and medications in conjunction with a free, comprehensive, universal health care system, both patients and physicians are being persuaded to perceive of “limitless essential services.” Unfortunately, we do not have “limitless funds.” There is no Canadian politician or leading physician who is prepared to state clearly that health services must be limited to those that are justified and tort reform must be introduced. Any provincial health costs that exceed perhaps 35% of provincial program spending should be raised from premiums and a portion of health care expenses based on a patient’s ability to pay. Very fair, very Canadian.