Encyclopedia of Canadian Laws

Universal Health Care

Universal Health Care

Welfare in Canada Universal: Health Care

Introduction to Universal Health Care

The Canadian welfare system is also strongly focused on providing health care to citizens. Between the mid-1950s and the 1970s, Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments progressively joined together to create nationwide health-care programs and programs for the elderly. Unlike U.S. citizens, all Canadians receive health care as part of a national plan. Canada's Medicare program-no relation to U.S. Medicare-is known as a single-payer system, and is funded primarily by income, corporate, sales, and other taxes. The governments, the so-called single payers, then fund private health-care providers to supply all basic and emergency medical services. Some services remain privately funded.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

  • Information about Universal Health Care in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia
  • Guide to Universal Health Care