Freedom Flyer July 1986 Cover

Freedom Flyer 7

the official newsletter of the
Freedom Party of Ontario

July 1986




PROMISES, PROMISES!

As they say, "You can't have it both ways."

When Ontario's government first introduced socialized medicine, it promised physicians that they wouldn't become "civil servants." It promised not to eliminate their right to bill for the services they provided.

With the uncontrolled demand placed on medical services by socialized (i.e., "universally free") medicine, it's no surprise that uncontrolled costs resulted. "Extra-billing" provided doctors with a mechanism to control these costs, reduce demand, and thus maintain a level of quality health care to those who truly needed it.

But the Ontario government's recent ban on extra-billing will once again ensure that demand for healthcare will continue at an uncontrollable level, and with it, its costs.

So much for promises.

It is a tragedy that the concept of insurance as a protector against costs incurred in medical emergencies has been replaced by the concept of "free" medical service for all. Universality means that millions of Canadians who are ready, willing, and able to pay their normal medical costs need not do so! Does this make any sense at all?

Consequently, resources that could have been available for true medical emergencies are absorbed in expenditures relating to the routine --- expenses that could have (and should have!) been paid directly by those receiving the benefit of treatment.

Yes, the so-called principle of "universality" in health care has run its inevitable course, unavoidably costing physicians their professional independence and freedom. And in the process, yet another choice has been denied them: the choice of having a political alternative that respects this independence and freedom.

Freedom Party believes that the purpose of government is to protect our freedom of choice, not to restrict it.

Liberals, Conservatives, and New Democrats alike have made it clear that they consider a physician's rights inferior to those of "society." But there's a tragic flaw in this philosophic approach --- how can the rights of "society" supersede those of the individuals who comprise that society?

The existence of state interference in the medical profession is no new precedent. Virtually all areas of our social and economic relationships are increasingly being pre-determined by governments comprised of representatives who have come to believe that it is their privilege to make our choices for us.

The time has come to pursue action of a definitive and long-term nature --- and that means supporting the creation of a new political alternative.

Lobbying those who obviously see nothing morally wrong with violating individual rights is no solution to any problem! Such action, at best, only offers a short-term avoidance of the inevitable; in the long-term, it actually sanctions the state's prerogative to interfere with our lives.

At this critical juncture in medical relations, it is perhaps time for the medical community and those of us who depend upon quality, reliable health care to reconsider a return to basic proven principles, of which the most important is having the right to choose and assuming responsibility for the choices we make.

Support your local doctor --- and support FREEDOM PARTY!

The next move is yours --- and ours. Together we can make the long-term difference on which the future of medicine in Ontario depends.




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