Canada's system of universal health care is a source of national pride and has at times been considered a model for other nations, including the United States. While the system faces numerous challenges, there is near unanimous support across the political spectrum for maintaining the model of universal, comprehensive public health insurance. Yet Canada is pursuing a trade agenda which undermines the capacity of federal and provincial governments to maintain the existing model for funding and delivering health services and restricts their ability to adapt this model to changing needs and priorities. This paper examines how Canada's health care system is already exposed to the GATS trade rules, and how the ongoing GATS negotiations and the proposed FTAA threaten to further extend the agreements' coverage of health care.
Learning Objectives: NA
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.