I think that a lot of people do not really see the truth about the universal health care system. I was reading an article about Natasha Richardson's death and stopped to look at the comments section on Digg. People were comparing the cost of Canada's health care system to the US' basically saying it was $0 versus a lot of money. While I personally think universal health care is a good thing, I do think that people should realize that they are in fact paying for it. This is why its card is called an "insurance card" and not a "hospital pass".
In 2007-2008, the annual cost per Quebecer was $2 518. Basically, our taxes, income or otherwise, go to pay the system we have come to take for granted. This is the same idea as any other "safety net" system in our province. They are not free.
With this being said, the universal health care system makes sure that people are paying for it based on their ability to do so since it is linked to the tax system. It might not be perfect and I think that there is a lot of money lost in inefficient management of the system but even then, it is a better starting point for something great than an all private system like the US' can be. Also, no matter what people say about wait times at the emergency room, if you come in with a bullet wound, or your head bashed in, you will get world class treatment.
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