Martin said the Canadian health care system is highly prized because of its fairness and its socially just principles. But she stressed at the same time that studies show it’s cost effective in comparison to for-profit health care. “We are talking about an economic advantage when we talk about Medicare,” Martin said referring to the cost advantage auto makers benefit from in Canada in comparison to the high cost of private health care for U.S. auto workers. Despite all of this the Canadian public health care system remains under threat from some doctors and groups who want a two-tier health system.

Some doctors want to privatize Canadian health care because they are frustrated by unresolved problems with the system and mistakenly believe privatization will mean better care and faster access for their patients, she said.

Martin said it’s critical to recognize the current public health system has problems which must be addressed so that Canadians continue to wholeheartedly support it.

“Canadians are enormously supportive of Medicare but their support isn’t unconditional,” said Martin, an award winning family physician.

Canadian Doctors For Medicare are working hard to build a network of physicians and others across the country who support universal, publicly funded and publicly delivered health care. The organization is dedicated to the cause of public health care and is pushing hard to turn around the perspective of some doctors within the Canadian Medical Association who want privatized health care.

Martin urged delegates to spread the word about Canadian Doctors For Medicare, to urge their own doctors and others to join. To find out more, visit: www.canadiandoctorsformedicare .ca

CAW President Buzz Hargrove thanked Martin for her inspiring message and announced a $50,000 donation to Canadian Doctors For Medicare.