Addressing Ten Unhelpful Myths about the Canada Health Act and Why It Matters

Since its enactment in 1984, the iconic Canada Health Act (CHA) has been at the centre of a polarized debate on whether universal coverage should be expanded or restricted in Canada. This discussion on the future direction of Canadian medicare has been vexed by prevailing myths about the CHA. These myths are unhelpful in that they perpetuate misleading notions about the ambit and impact of the CHA. This article deconstructs 10 of the more common myths to get at the realities of the CHA and the extent to which it sets national standards and constrains - or does not constrain - provincial health reform and innovation. Understanding the realities of the CHA is becoming a critical litmus test for the courts as they interpret the CHA and the provincial laws and regulations, which were established in conformity with five criteria - public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability, and accessibility). Separating myths from realities also allows practitioners and scholars to better understand the limits of the CHA.