Rallies and actions across the country call on Carney to stop U.S.style health care from spreading
On September 1st, health coalitions and public health care advocates across the country came together for a National Day of Action to demand federal action on Alberta’s two-tier health care law.
Advocates rallied outside MPs’ offices, sent postcards, held press conferences, and mobilized online, sending a clear message to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel: enforce the Canada Health Act and stop the spread of two-tier, U.S.-style health care in Canada.
British Columbia
In Penticton, a rally was held outside the office of local Conservative MP Helena Konanz, who spoke with the crowd for a few minutes around lunchtime.
Rallies were also held outside the Vancouver office of Liberal MP Gregor Robertson and the Victoria office of Liberal MP Will Greaves.
In response to the actions across British Columbia, Provincial Minister of Health Ravi Kahlon told CBC News BC, “Everyone should be able to access health care no matter their ability to pay. Innovation and reform are essential to improving health care, but creating a two-tier system is not innovation. It diverts health care workers and resources away from the public system.”
Alberta
In Calgary, a rally was held outside the office of Liberal MP Corey Hogan, who came out to hear the crowd’s message.
In Edmonton, protesters gathered outside the office of Liberal MP Eleanor Olszewski, Alberta’s only Cabinet Minister, delivering their message loud and clear.
Rallies were also held outside the offices of Conservative MPs across Alberta: MP Mike Lake in Leduc, MP Rachael Thomas in Lethbridge, MP Glen Motz in Medicine Hat, MP Burton Bailey in Red Deer, and MP Michael Cooper in St. Albert.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Health Coalition coordinated an email campaign, with advocates sending messages to Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Saskatchewan’s only Liberal MP Buckley Belanger.
Manitoba
In Winnipeg, the Manitoba Health Coalition held a rally outside the office of Liberal MP Doug Eyolfson. MHC Director Noah Schulz, SPCW Executive Director Kate Kehler, and CUPE 204 President Margaret Schroeder also met with MP Eyolfson to discuss the need for federal leadership on this issue.
Northwest Territories
In Yellowknife, Alternatives North joined the National Day of Action with a rally outside the office of Liberal MP Rebecca Alty.
Ontario
Across the province, Ontarians turned out for nine actions outside the offices of MPs, including Liberals MP Danielle Martin in Toronto, MP Bardish Chagger in Waterloo, MP Aslam Rana in Hamilton, MP Arielle Kayabaga in London, MP Patty Hajdu in Thunder Bay, MP Mark Gerretsen in Kingston, and MP Chris Bittle in St. Catharines, and Conservatives MP Alex Ruff in Grey Bruce and MP Kathy Borrelli in Windsor.
Québec
In Montréal, advocates rallied outside the office of Federal Health Minister and Liberal MP Marjorie Michel. The event was supported by Syndicat APTS, the Centrale des syndicats du Québec, Union des consommateurs, Council of Canadians, Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain-CSN, and Coalition solidarité santé.
New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, the NB Health Coalition, including the NB Nurses Union, CUPE, and NB Union, along with activists from ACORN NB and Reproductive Justice NB, held actions outside two MPs’ offices: Liberal MP and former Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor in Moncton, and Liberal MP David Myles in Fredericton.
Upon learning that the Atlantic Liberal Caucus was meeting in Digby, N.S., on the day of action, the Nova Scotia Health Coalition, PEI Health Coalition, NB Health Coalition, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour, and the Canadian Health Coalition sent a letter to all Atlantic MPs, asking them to stand up for the Canada Health Act and urge the Prime Minister to support Canada’s universal public health care system in the face of Alberta’s two-tier health care law.
Prince Edward Island
In Cornwall, the PEI Health Coalition joined PEINU, IUOE, UPSE, and the PEI Federation of Labour for a press conference outside the office of Liberal MP Heath MacDonald.
Nova Scotia
In Cape Breton, advocates held a press conference and rally outside the office of Liberal MP Jaime Battiste.
Online campaign
For those who couldn’t attend the rallies, the Canadian Health Coalition launched a digital initiative so supporters could take action online. In less than 24 hours, more than 2,000 emails were sent to Prime Minister Mark Carney and MPs, urging the federal government to protect public health care and reject U.S.-style two-tier health care models.
Haylee Keyes is the National Director of Development and Community Engagement for the Canadian Health Coalition
