Canadians must wake up and realize that individual freedom is under threat

Article content

“You may find that your own freedom is compromised.”

Subject: The Charter is dead – Jordan Peterson’s forced re-education proves it – Conrad Black, August 17; and the “greenwashing” law is a license to bully corporations for purely political reasons – Perrin Beatty, August 16

Canadians are willing to accept laws that limit individual freedom because they don't believe they are affected by them. They may also believe that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms offers them some protection. Had Jordan Peterson not agreed to be “re-educated,” he would have lost his right to practice as a psychologist in Ontario, even though none of his patients complained about him. Are professional organizations like the College of Psychologists of Ontario also responsible for what you say and do outside of your professional practice? This is a wake-up call for all professionals.

Article content

Perrin Beatty points out that while there are no universally accepted definitions of “net zero” and “sustainable,” misusing these terms in the eyes of the government can lead to serious legal problems. Only government-approved speech is acceptable, although the government is not the gold standard for truth.

Many Canadians say there should be a law. If that law restricts someone's freedom, it may affect your own freedom.

Rick Hird, Whitby, Ontario.

“We now have waiting times of several years for consultations about surgery”

Subject: British Columbia woman suffering from serious illness must wait two years to see a specialist – Tiffany Crawford, August 15

I remember a few years ago, when going to the doctor was still common, there was a government poster in the examination rooms that said, “Ask not what the system can do for you, ask what you can do for the system.” Even then, the health care system was not working, although our governments claimed it was the best in the world.

It is not surprising that today we have waiting times of several years for consultations for operations. People suffer and die from diseases that could be cured or alleviated by timely intervention.

Article content

Here in BC, we live under two government-imposed conditions. 1) The government system cannot provide for us. 2) We are not allowed to provide for ourselves outside of the government system.

While we could ask ourselves what kind of cruel, dogmatic, obtuse autocrats would impose such a regime on their citizens, it would be better to look in the mirror and ask ourselves what kind of citizens would continue to support governments that subject them to such a system.

British theorist Stafford Beer famously stated: “The purpose of a system is what it does. After all, there is no point in saying that the purpose of a system is to do what it consistently fails to do.” We should all keep that in mind.

Richard McNabb, Vancouver

The Canadian Medical Association responds

Subject: The Canadian Medical Association is the real threat to access to health care – Brett Belchetz, August 12

Dr. Brett Belchetz says the Canadian Medical Association's draft guidelines on public and private health care would amount to “a government ban on virtual health insurance in the workplace.”

In fact, the CMA's draft policy suggests that medically necessary care can be provided virtually and should be covered by the public health system, rather than through private insurance or co-payments. The draft policy recommends that – consistent with the principles of the Canada Health Act – all medically necessary services continue to be publicly funded.

Article content

The draft policy does not call for a ban on private providers paid by provincial/territorial health insurers. Rather, the policy proposes to allow privately paid health care where it can be demonstrated that it would improve system efficiency and equitable access to health care.

Put simply, the CMA’s draft policy contains recommendations to ensure equitable access to virtual care for all Canadians.

The draft guidelines were developed after a year of reviewing the latest evidence-based research and outreach to more than 10,000 physicians, patients and healthcare providers who shared their views in public town hall meetings, surveys and targeted dialogues.

According to a CMA survey, 53 percent of Canadians agree that patients should pay for access to health care when they can afford it or the public system cannot provide them with timely access. However, many see private treatment options as secondary to strengthening the publicly funded system and letting governments cover the costs for patients who want to seek care elsewhere.

The CMA recognizes that health care and the future of Canada's health care system are of great importance to Canadians, which is why we are determined to get it right. We released our draft policy recommendations in July and continue to consult with stakeholders to address concerns and refine the policy before we finalize it.

Article content

Dr. Joss Reimer, Dr. Kathleen Ross, Presidents, Canadian Medical Association

“In New York you have to be present”

Subject: Renovating the New York Consul General's residence would cost $2.6 million, so Global Affairs bought a $9 million condo instead: Documents – Christopher Nardi, August 15

The rather excited reporting about the purchase of a new residence for our Consul General in New York City misses the point.

As a former Inspector General of Global Affairs, I visited many official residences around the world. Some were excessive given our relationships with the countries in question, some were woefully inadequate, and most served their purpose. Under the Harper government, there was a deliberate program to downsize our residences, which I believe went too far.

In New York, you have to make a presence to be recognized, let alone attract attention. As I recall, the previous residence on Park Avenue didn't have much to offer other than location. You have to make an impression, and I believe this new residence will do the trick. In New York's overheated real estate market, it also seems like we made a bargain purchase.

David Collins (former Canadian Ambassador), Victoria, BC

National Post and Financial Post welcome letters to the editor (maximum 200 words). Please include your name, address and daytime phone number. Email [email protected]. Letters to the editor may be edited for length or clarity.

Article content