Canada's Unique Approach to Public/Private Divide and the Perils of Reform Via a Court Challenge

Posted: 30 Jul 2014

See all articles by Colleen M. Flood

Colleen M. Flood

University of Ottawa - Faculty of Law

Date Written: July 28, 2014

Abstract

In both Canada and Japan court challenges are underway to allow a greater role for private payment.

This article explains how Canadian courts to date have misunderstood the very different roles private payment (specifically private health insurance) plays across different health care systems. I illustrate this by situating Canada in a typology of health cares systems vis-à-vis the role for private health insurance. I argue that striking down existing laws restricting private payment in Canada’s system is not likely to result, as some argue, in Canada transforming into a “superior” European heath care system such as exists in France, the Netherlands, Germany, etc. Instead, the Canadian system will shift closer to a “Duplicate Private Health Insurance” model such as seen in New Zealand and England which is not likely to result in improvements in either equity or efficiency.

I conclude that with the evidence base as complicated as it is, inevitably governments must exercise discretion in choosing how to organize and regulate a health care system, and courts - whether in Canada or Japan - should be extremely cautious of wading in to circumvent a government’s choices.

Suggested Citation

Flood, Colleen M., Canada's Unique Approach to Public/Private Divide and the Perils of Reform Via a Court Challenge (July 28, 2014). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2472984

Colleen M. Flood (Contact Author)

University of Ottawa - Faculty of Law ( email )

57 Louis Pasteur Street
Ottawa, K1N 6N5
Canada
416-697-4594 (Phone)

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