brian-day_thumb-1.png
brian-day_thumb-1.png This article is more than 4 years old
Analysis

BC Supreme Court Rules Against Attempt to Undermine Public Healthcare in Canada

Advocates call it a big win for universal healthcare

The British Columbia Supreme Court ruled against an attempt by the CEO of the for-profit Cambie Surgeries Corporation to challenge the basic principles of Canada’s healthcare system, yesterday.

On Thursday, the court dismissed claims by Cambie Surgeries CEO Dr. Brian Day, that regulations stopping physicians from

buy mobic online mobic no prescription
online pharmacy buy minocin online no prescription

charging patients extra for medically-necessary services violated charter rights to life, liberty and security of the person.

The Tyee reported Day and doctors at his clinic charged the province’s Medical Services Plan for their own services, while the clinic charges patients a facilities fee for use of the operating room and the salaries for nurses. The BC government previously uncovered about $500,000 in unlawful billings and $67,000 in “double-billings” by Day’s clinic

online pharmacy nolvadex for sale no prescription pharmacy

over a 30-day period alone. 

Day launched his lawsuit, with the help of the right-wing Canadian Constitution Foundation in 2009. Day further argued patients have a constitutional right, under section 7, to pay for private healthcare to avoid wait times.

 

Day previously told media “We in Canada will give the same level of services to a wealthy person as to person who isn’t wealthy, and that doesn’t make sense.”

But the court was not convinced.

Justice John J. Steeves wrote:

“I have found that the impugned provisions do not deprive the right to life or liberty of the patient plaintiffs or similarly situated individuals. There is a rational connection between the effects of the impugned provisions and the objectives of preserving and ensuring the sustainability of the universal public healthcare system and ensuring access to necessary medical services is based on need and not the ability to pay.”

If Day’s case had been successful, advocates said, it would have allowed private doctors to offer premium care to patients able to pay — while others were stuck without.

While yesterday’s ruling may be appealed — legal experts, doctors and medicare supporters, say its a win for the principles of universal healthcare.

Edith MacHattie, the co-chair of the BC Health Coalition, told PressProgress

online pharmacy cellcept no prescription

“It has been our strong opinion this whole time that this whole challenge has not been about improving wait times or patient rights, but was entirely about improving doctors’ rights to extra bill and to make huge profits. The case has really been about money, and increasing profits for doctors and shareholders.”

This is a very strong ruling in favour for our universal public healthcare system in Canada. The judge dismissed all of the plaintiffs’ concerns and claims,” MacHattie said further. 

https://twitter.com/DanyaalRaza/status/1304137744067842048?s=20

 

Our journalism is powered by readers like you.

We’re an award-winning non-profit news organization that covers topics like social and economic inequality, big business and labour, and right-wing extremism.

Help us build so we can bring to light stories that don’t get the attention they deserve from Canada’s big corporate media outlets.

 

Become a member
PressProgress
PressProgress is an award-winning non-profit news organization focused on uncovering and unpacking the news through original investigative and explanatory journalism.

Most Shared

Doug Ford Hospital ANALYSIS

Take Back Alberta Leaders are Training ‘Scrutineers’ to Infiltrate Campaigns and Act as ‘Security’ on Voting Day

Related Stories

ANALYSIS

Hallway Medicine. Endless Wait Times. Overworked Staff. Ontario’s Healthcare System is Facing It’s ‘Worst Crisis’ Ever.

View the post
Analysis

Labour Unions Call On Canada to ‘Hit Back Hard’ After Donald Trump Launches Unprovoked Trade War Against Canada

View the post
ANALYSIS

Doug Ford’s Coalition of Premiers is Causing Divisions Among Conservatives as Tariffs Loom

View the post
Our free email newsletter delivers award-winning journalism directly to your inbox.
Get Canadian Investigative News You Won't Find in Corporate Newspapers.
Our free email newsletter delivers award-winning journalism to your inbox.
Get Canadian Investigative News You Won't Find in Corporate Newspapers.