DEEP RIVER, ONTARIO — The Canada Health Act was assented to by Parliament on April 8, 1984. It was granted royal assent (enacted) by Governor General Edward Schreyer a week later. Pierre Trudeau was the Prime Minister of Canada at the time. Of course he is the father of current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The law created taxpayer-funded “universal healthcare” for all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Provincial governments must continually satisfy five criteria related to healthcare to receive federal funds. Coverage includes general practitioners, hospitalizations and surgical-dental services. Canadian doctors are well-paid, with most earning over $300,000 annually. Canadians citizens, for the most part, like the system too.