Canadian Healthcare System Flashcards
Who currently funds the Canadian Health Care system?
The tax payers
For whom does medicare provide healthcare?
Permanent residents, new immigrants, citizens of Canada and refugees.
Early health care
There was no organization, delivery or financial support. It was left to individuals, families and communities. It was first provided by First Nations, priests and military. The church funded and built hospitals. The Grey Nuns were the first visiting nurse service.
Why did epidemics spread in New France?
- Closed quarters
- Decrease or no sanitation
- Decreased or no pest control
- Germ theory was not well known
- Poor health status
What kinds of epidemics spread?
Cholera, typhus and small pox
Quarentines
Physicians boarded vessels or refused port. It was an early form of government care. In early 1700’s, the first formal quarantine was established in England.
First cholera outbreak in Canada in 1823
Occurred in Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Upper Canada. Legislation was passed to set up local health exams. 9000 people died causing a huge change in culture and demographics. There was lots of fear and confusion.
Problems with quarantine
- They became inactive after outbreak
- Family and communities were still responsible for healthcare
- Not much was known about germ theory
- Many believed epidemics to be punishment by God
How did confederation change healthcare?
The government gained ability to enact legislation and create government programs. Healthcare was split between the provincial and federal government but it was primarily provincial responsibility.
What was the leading cause of death in the 1900’s?
Tuberculosis. The first TB sanitorium was established in 1918 in Fort Qu’appelle.
When was the old age pension developed?
1927
Healthcare in the Great Depression
Many hospitals had deficits because many people had debt and couldn’t pay their bills.
Healthcare before World War II
Nursing in Red Cross and VON with the main focus on public health
Healthcare after World War II
Penicillin was invented in 1946. There was an increase in medical technology, procedures, and research. Focus changed from public health to curative hospital based care.
Tommy Douglas
Was the premier of Saskatchewan and was a strong advocate for healthcare. He is known as Father of Medicare and he was voted as Greatest Canadian.
First universal program for healthcare in Saskatchewan in January 1947
Provides healthcare for all residents. Collects premiums and taxes. There was pressure for this type of system in all other provinces.
Federal Hospital Insurance and Diagnostic Services Act in 1957
Federal government gave grants for provincial hospital services available. BC, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and Newfoundland joined. All other provinces joined in 1961.
Who opposed Medicare?
Doctors and Physicians opposed. They fought hard not to have socialized medicine because of the fear of communism. They also worried about loss of potential income.
Saskatchewan Medical Care Insurance Act in 1962
Covered surgeon and physician services.
Federal Government Medical Care Insurance Bill in 1966
Federal grants were given to provinces who provided comprehensive, universal, publicly administered, non-profit and portable coverage of hospital and medical expenses. All provinces joined in 1972.
Monique Begin
Federal Minister who advocated for the Canada Health Act. Many physicians opposed and went on strike. She was under intense pressure and faced many confrontations. She had the act approved.
CHA combined with HIDSA and Medical Healthcare Act
Reaffirms principles of government insurance. Banned extra billing. Alberta, BC and Ontario did most of the billing. Physicians in Ontario went on strike but the strike ended unfavourably. Provinces who didn’t comply got not transfer payment.
Restructuring: Ralph Kein in Alberta
Introduced Bill 11 to use public health care funds to subsidize for-profit clinics.
Restructuring: Mike Haris in Ontario
Also subsidized for-profit healthcare and cut 25000 hospitals and long term staff.
