Canada's provinces review their health services

摘要

AbstractCanada's health system is undergoing stocktaking and adjustment. Ontario and Quebec have recently reviewed their goals and strategies; other provinces have been seeking to control established programs. This article considers the political and social reasons for those reviews. Its themes ultimately concern whether equity is compatible with innovation and choice; whether downplaying technology is harmful; and whether restrictions (e.g. on medical manpower supply) can be achieved relatively painlessly. Changing political traditions in the different provinces have an effect upon their health systems, it is concluded.