Issue 115 – 26, August 16, 2026
Time to fight back!
Medicare is a core part of what makes Canada special, health care for everyone, no matter who they are or how much money they make. We cannot let private insurance companies or politicians destroy this system. We must continue to fight for Carney and the federal government to enforce the Canada Health Act.
Bill 11, in Alberta, could come into effect anytime, this law will change how health care works in Canada. Instead of keeping health care public and fair for everyone, Bill 11 will lead to a two-tier system. That means some people could pay to get faster or better care, while others wait longer or can't afford it. This threatens everything that Canada’s public health care system stands for.
The Canada Health Act is a law that says health care should be available to everyone. It must be fair, accessible, and free at the point of use. That means Canadians should not have to pay extra for medically necessary services. The law protects our right to health care that is equal for all, no matter how much money we make.
Bill 11 allows private companies and doctors to charge extra for some services that should be free. It also opens the door for private insurance companies to cover surgeries and hospital care that are supposed to be publicly funded. This is called privatization, and it can lead to longer wait times in public hospitals, fewer doctors in the system, and higher costs for everyone.
The law was passed very quickly, with little input from doctors, nurses, or the public. Many health experts say that Bill 11 could destroy the single-payer system we have now, where the government pays for almost all health care. If private companies take over more services, it could become harder for people with low income to get the care they need.
Big private insurance companies are involved behind the scenes. They are working with the Alberta government to create a system where private insurance and private clinics become more common. These companies stand to make a lot of money if health care becomes more privatized.
Insurance companies have been lobbying and working with the government to make changes that benefit their profits. They want more private health plans and faster ways for wealthy people to pay for health care. While this might seem good for some, it risks hurting the public system that has served Canadians for decades.
Many Albertans and Canadians are angry and worried. They don’t want their health care to become like the U.S., where people often must pay a lot of money for treatment. People are afraid that Bill 11 will make wait times longer, make health care more expensive, and make it harder for those who can’t pay to get care.
If the federal government does not stop Alberta, this kind of privatization could spread to other provinces. That could mean the end of universal health care in Canada. It’s important that the federal government enforces the Canada Health Act and makes sure provinces follow the rules.
Its going to be a tough fight this fall, we need to keep fighting to protect our public health care system. That means speaking up, signing petitions, and urging our leaders to enforce the Canada Health Act. It’s crucial that the government puts the needs of all Canadians before private profits.
Act - Add your voice - Friends of Medicare
Canada Needs a National Seniors Strategy
Canada is changing, one in five Canadians is 65 or older. By 2030, nearly one in four will be seniors. This makes Canada one of the countries with the fastest-growing aging populations, like Japan, Italy, and Greece. Growing older is a sign of progress because people are living longer than ever before. However, it also creates new challenges for our society, economy, and healthcare system. Even though we know more seniors are coming, Canada doesn’t have a clear plan.
Many seniors live on limited incomes, over 20% have inadequate money to cover basic needs. Some have saved very little for retirement, and many rely on pensions that aren’t enough. This leads to seniors struggling with basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare. If we don’t improve support for seniors, the costs will grow.
Responsibilities for elder care are split between different levels of government, municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal, leading to gaps and confusion. This means many older Canadians face serious issues that aren’t being properly addressed.
Most seniors want to stay in their own homes and communities as they age. But only about half of Canadians over 50 believe their homes are suitable for aging. Many haven’t made modifications because they’re expensive or homes weren’t built for accessibility. Without proper support services, aging in place becomes difficult. Long wait times and high costs prevent many seniors from getting the help they need at home.
Also, ageism, discrimination based on age is common. Seven out of ten older Canadians say they faced some form of age discrimination in the past year, feeling ignored or dismissed.
Many seniors experience loneliness and social isolation. A survey shows that 43% of older adults are at risk of feeling alone, which can harm their mental and physical health.
Failing to support aging Canadians also impacts the economy. When seniors can’t live independently, they often end up in hospitals or long-term care homes, which cost more money. Many of these stays could be avoided if there were better home care and community support. This also puts extra pressure on caregivers, who are often family members, and costs the economy billions in lost productivity.
Canada has made some progress. For example, new dental care program and better access to healthcare have helped some seniors. However, these efforts are small pieces of a bigger puzzle. Without a comprehensive plan, many seniors will continue to face poverty, social isolation, and inadequate healthcare.
Canada needs a clear, federal plan to address the needs of its aging population. This plan should include:
Fair Income Support: Fix gaps in retirement income so all seniors can live with dignity.
Better Home and Community Care: Invest in home care services and support systems that help seniors stay in their homes longer.
Fight Ageism: Protect seniors from discrimination and promote social inclusion.
Support Caregivers: Provide resources and financial help to unpaid family caregivers.
Long-Term Planning: Create a national strategy to prepare for the rising number of seniors and ensure healthcare systems are ready.
Now is the time, the choices we make today will determine how well we support our seniors tomorrow. If we don’t act, social inequality and loneliness will grow, and our healthcare system will be overwhelmed. Canada must follow the example of other countries that have successfully created national strategies for aging populations.
The Canadian Labour Congress convention last May, delegate debated and endorsed the need for a “National Seniors Strategy”, Canada needs a united, national plan to support its seniors. By working together and planning, we can ensure that aging with dignity is a reality for everyone. Our union retirees and seniors deserve to live their later years in comfort, respect, and with the support they need to thrive.
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