PROFIT® and the British Columbia conversation on health

In July 2007, the B.C. government wrapped up its “Conversation on Health,” which claimed to be an exhaustive examination of the province’s health care system. Launched in early February, the $10 million Conversation visited 16 communities in B.C. to discuss citizens’ perspectives on public health care.

From the outset, many British Columbians were suspicious that the “conversations” were a part of a public relations campaign to bolster the provincial government’s privatization agenda and legitimize politicians’ claims that public health care spending is “unsustainable.” For example, the “consultation” website sports a gimmicky doomsday clock to show visitors how costly health care is to the public purse. But when the numbers on the clock are placed in context, they show that public, non-profit health care is actually quite affordable.

Thanks to dedicated Council of Canadians chapter members, the Campbell government heard the message loud and clear that PROFIT® is not the cure for British Columbia’s health care system. When the B.C. government released the results of the Conversation on Health, Health Minister George Abbott confirmed that B.C. residents overwhelmingly supported publicly funded and publicly delivered health care. In 14 communities across the province, chapter activists joined with members of the B.C. Health Coalition to speak against for-profit health care, and spread the message that citizens deserve a say in the future of our health care system.

Resources:

	Conversation Starter: Pressures on the Health Care System (PDF) Council of Canadians | Fact Sheet | February 2007
	Conversation Starter: Health Care Delivery (PDF) Council of Canadians | Fact Sheet | February 2007
	Conversation Starter: The Canada Health Act (PDF) Council of Canadians | Fact Sheet | February 2007

	B.C. Conversation on Health (Official Website) B.C. Conversation on Health | Government of British Columbia | 2006
	Conversation Starters B.C. Conversation on Health | Government of British Columbia | 2006
	Report on the European Fact Finding Mission (PDF) B.C. Conversation on Health | Government of British Columbia | February 28 to March 6, 2006
	2006 British Columbia Speech from the Throne (PDF) Government of British Columbia | February 14, 2006

BC Health Spending Exploding? Don't Believe It
The Tyee | Will McMartin | February 19, 2007

Gordo's 'Conversation' Takes Surprising Twist
The Tyee | Tom Sandborn | February 8, 2007

Public Funding a 'Cornerstone' of Health Care: Forum
CBC News | February 05, 2007

Most Support Public Health Care at Forum
The Vancouver Sun | Michele Young | February 05, 2007

Is Premier Gordon Campbell's Conversation on Health part of a hidden agenda to introduce private health insurance?
The Georgia Straight | Charlie Smith | February 1, 2007

Taking Back the “Conversation” on Health (PDF)
Guardian | B.C. Hospital Employees Union | January 2007

What is your health care worth?
B.C. Hospital Employees Union | 2006

Neighbours talking health care
B.C. Health Coalition | 2006

Health Conversation is Quiet
Strategic Thoughts | David D. Schreck | December 5, 2006

Campbell's Contradiction
Strategic Thoughts | David D. Schreck | November 10, 2006

Campbell's Health Conversation Launched
Strategic Thoughts | David D. Schreck | September 28, 2006

Campbell's Health Conversation
Strategic Thoughts | David D. Schreck | September 27, 2006

Health-care spending scare tactics unfair to public
Paying Attention (Blog) | Paul Willcocks | September 26, 2006

Carole Taylor’s False Alarm
The Tyee | Will McMartin | September 25, 2006