Subscribe Text

Subscribe to Best Health Magazine today and save over 35% off the cover price!

Home > Get Healthy > Health > 5 great moments in Canadian health history

5 great moments in Canadian health history

While new medical breakthroughs continue to grab headlines, Best Health takes a look back at some of the greatest moments in Canadian health history

Previous Slide 1 of 5 Next

Web exclusive, May 2010

1966: Medicare becomes Canadian law

Universal health care is a point of pride in Canada, but that wasn't always the case. It's hard to imagine now, but there was a time when people without the necessary funds either had to rely on charity for medical treatment, or simply go without. Dubbed "the father of Medicare," Saskatchewan premier Tommy Douglas was a key figure in the creation of Canada's current universal health care system. Saskatchewan was the first province to adopt government-funded health care in 1962. In 1966, the federal government introduced the "Medical Care Act," which was implemented in 1968, making universal health care a reality for all Canadians. For more information on the Canadian health care system and how it compares to our neighbours to the south, click here.

[View]

1 Comment

Canadian scientists have been front-runners both in the 20th and 21st centuries. That is a fact. We should applaud in a great way in all forms of media these incredible and wonderful 'miracles of medicine and medication'.

However, to include the vote regarding the unconstitutionality of abortion laws just does not fit into this area. Doctors are required to affirm that they will 'first, do no harm'.

The horrible and repulsive procedure that is abortion is a mangling, tearing and generally dissection of an unborn fetus. If we could hear each wee child, the screams would be everlasting in our minds.

The article notes the advent of safe and tested birth control methods such as 'the pill' and the IUD and now, the 'patch'. There just is not the need for unbridled and certainly routine abortions as a method of birth control.

Reproductive responsibility is tantamount. Sexual intimacy starts in the brain and that same brain certainly has the time to make the decision to use a safe and effective form of birth control whether be the male or female participant. There is complete gender equality in this decision.

There are many other wonderful and magnificant medical miracles that have come and still are arising from the scientific work of Canadians. PLEASE be responsible and always emphasize the positive when covering this subject.

Submitted by Judith Elizabeth Connell on Wed, 2010-05-26 1:25pm.