Clarifying the Issue: Health Minister Allan Rock’s response to Alberta’s controversial Bill 11.

The recent passage of Alberta’s controversial Bill 11, which calls for the establishment of private health clinics in the province, has raised many questions and concerns among Canadians regarding the federal government’s commitment to the protection of health care in Canada.

Following the passage of the bill, Health Minister Allan Rock stated that the Government of Canada will be vigilant in enforcing the Canada Health Act and is strengthening its capacity to monitor for compliance with the Act.

"Bill 11 is not the direction in which we should be heading to strengthen our publicly-funded health care system. We have grave reservations about investing public funds in private-for-profit facilities. We will be strengthening our capacity to detect these violations and, should any occur, we will act," said Mr. Rock.

The Canada Health Act provides for monitoring and assessment of the way provinces and territories administer the publicly-funded health care system. If there are suspected violations, federal officials work with the province concerned to gather the facts. The federal Minister of Health can then determine whether there has been a violation of the Act. If a violation is confirmed, and the province does not change the practice, the Government of Canada has the power to withhold funds from the province under the Canada Health and Social Transfer

"The Government of Canada intends to meet its responsibility to Canadians," said Mr. Rock. "Parliament has given us the tools to enforce the Canada Health Act. I will make certain that the principles of the Act are respected in Alberta, and throughout the country."

Health Canada will increase annual spending by $4 million, up from the current $1.5 million, and add staff to improve administration of the Act. This will enable the Department better to monitor and assess compliance with the Act so that it may be enforced more vigilantly. An additional 25 staff will be distributed in all regions of the country and in Ottawa.