Canada's Famous Universal Health Care System example essay topic

The Canadian identity has always been difficult to define. We, as Canadians, have continued to define ourselves by reference to what we are not -American - rather than in terms of our own national history and tradition. Thesis ironic since the United States is continuing to be allowed by Canadians to take over our economy and literally buy our country. Culturally Canada has it sown distinct government and institutions which differ and are better from those in the United States, but economically the country has been all but sold out to America. The major cultural differences to be examined are that of Canada " strong government, institutions such as welfare and universal healthcare, and our profound respect for law and authority.

These establishments make Canada a separate nation from the USA. Economically, it will be examined how Canada has become a victim to Americanization through the purchase of Canada with our own money, the shocking statistics of Canada's foreign ownership, and the final payment for our country, free trade. All in all we have our own government, our own flag, our own anthem; but are we really Canadian or a not quite United State of America? In Canada, strong government involvement plays an immense role in determining the destiny of its people for the good of the society.

In Canada you are reminded of the government every day. It parades before you. It is not content to be the servant, but will be the master... Henry David Thoreau, 18861 Although slightly outdated, as of 1982 47.3 percent of Canada's GNP was in government hands, compared with 38% in the United States. Government spending in Canada was 24.4% greater than in the U.S. and if you subtract the. S.'s excessive national defense spending, the gap between the two countries considerable widens. 2 The United States has adopted a more Freudian "survival of the fittest" concept towards government where the rights of the individual are predominant and industry is publicly owned and run with little help from the government.

Although there is some government control and ownership of industry in both countries it is much more common in Canada where "the state has always dominated and shaped the... economy". 3 Of 400 top industrial firms, 25 were controlled by federal or provincial governments. Of the top 50 industrialists, all ranked by sales, 7 were either wholly owned or controlled by the federal or provincial governments. For financial institutions, 9 of the top 25 were federally or provincially owned or controlled... 4 Also, Canadian subsidies to business and employment in public enterprise we refive times the level in the U.S. Government involvement is a crucial part of the distinctness of our Canadian identity. Similar variations occur with respect to Canada's welfare policies.

They are clearly implemented for the good of the society, giving aid to any citizen in need. This system is considered superior to that of the United States where some people have no source of income whatsoever and no chance to claim welfare. Welfare policies have generally been adopted earlier in Canada and tend to be "more advanced in terms of program development, coverage, and benefits". 5 Another advanced Canadian institution is that of Canada's famous universal health care system.

Although it is a complex system its highlights consist of: government run, non profit insurance plan that uses public funds to pay for a private, comprehensive system. 6 The concept of the program being universal means that the service is available to all Canadians regardless of income. This system has been said by many to be Canada's most successful and popular program globally. It also separates us from the misconception that were similar to Americans.

Perhaps as important for our national identity, the Canadian approach to health insurance also clearly distinguishes us from the United States. The fact that we have developed such a different system suggests that we really are a separate people, with different political and cultural values. Even better our system works well while the American alternative does not. 7 In the U.S. there are forty million people, more than the entire population of Canada, who have no health insurance. 8 And even the best medical insurance plan in the U.S.A. only covers 31.5% of expenses. 9 Moreover, the Canadian systems costs are well below that of the U.S. and have produced lower infant mortality rates and longer life expectancy.

In 1986, average out-of-pocket expenditures for health care were $1135 per household in the United States, and $446 (US) in Canada. For hospitals and physicians American households paid $346, Canadians paid $33.10 It is clear that the Canadian universal system of health care is by far superior to the U.S. system. This may also be said true for Canadian's superior respect for law and authority. Canada's fathers of confederation stressed a great Canadian motto of "Peace, Order, and Good Government" which imp lie.