Consumers and health policy development: confessions of a guarded optimist

Using the example of a large coalition of senior citizens in Ontario, Canada, the potential of consumer input to contribute to policy development and some key barriers to fulfilling that potential are explored. The political appeal of consumer involvement in policy development is highlighted, as is the potential for opposition from providers. The critical issue of finding sustainable funding to support consumer activities is also identified, along with the worrying trend of diminishing government support for such involvement in Canada.