Health care in Canada: a system in turmoil

Canada, in common with most countries, is re-examining its health care system. The main reasons for the reappraisal are the rising cost of health care and the growing unease that the cost is fast outstripping the capacity of the tax base to support it. This paper examines the way in which Canada's provinces are attempting to meet this health care challenge. It does this from two perspectives: first, through a consideration of the steps taken to control and/or cut costs and, second, by an exploration of the developing debate about rationing. The paper concludes with some comments about the potential policy implications of such issues.