CURC has sent the following letter to the Members of the Leaders’ Debate Consortium regarding the decision to exclude health care from the upcoming federal leaders’ debate.
April 14, 2025
Members of the Leaders' Debate Consortium
On behalf of the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada, I am writing to unequivocally express our profound outrage regarding the alarming decision to exclude health care from the upcoming federal leaders’ debate. This choice is not merely disappointing; it represents a severe disservice to Canadians—especially to our retirees, who often rely most heavily on the health care system.
Health care is not just another agenda item; it is a cornerstone of our national identity and an issue of life and death for millions of families across this country. By excluding it from the debate, the consortium has signaled a troubling disconnect from the realities and priorities of the Canadian populace. It is essential to understand that health care is not just an abstract topic—It is a vital concern that resonates deeply with every Canadian, particularly as our system faces unprecedented pressures.
Polling data indicates that health care has emerged as a top concern for voters, standing shoulder to shoulder with economic issues such as tariffs. This reflects the growing fears among Canadians about the insidious encroachment of U.S.-style privatization into our beloved health care system. Our citizens are justifiably anxious about their ability to access care when they require it, about impending out-of-pocket expenses, and about whether the next generation will inherit the same standards of care that have long been considered a fundamental right.
This is not merely an ideological debate; it is a matter of urgent national consequence. Imagine the turmoil of emergency rooms closed to those in desperate need, of interminable wait times stretching into months, and of health care professionals collapsing under the strain of a broken system. These are the hard truths facing Canadians, and they deserve to hear directly from their political leaders about concrete actions to alleviate these crises.
By barring health care from the debate, the consortium is inadvertently shielding political leaders from the accountability that voters rightfully demand. This omission sends a deeply alarming message: that health care is unworthy of discussion and debate. Such a stance is not only unacceptable; it is perilous for the public good.
To preserve the relevance and credibility of the leaders' debate, it is imperative that the consortium incorporates health care into its agenda. Ignoring one of the very issues that Canadians hold dear—and are increasingly anxious about—constitutes a failure of duty and responsibility to the public.
We urge you in the strongest possible terms to reverse this decision immediately. It is our right as Canadians to demand that health care be addressed front and center in the upcoming leaders’ debate. We deserve no less than a full and honest discussion about the future of our cherished health care system.
Sincerely,
Michael MacIsaac
President Congress of Union Retirees of Canada