On April 17, 2026, we marked a key moment in our shared history: the passing of  the  Canade Health Act In 1984.

A law that may appear technical, but which is based on a profoundly simple idea: in Canada, people should be able to receive healthcare based on their needs, not on their ability to pay.

Universality. Accessibility. Equity.

Three principles which, for more than 40 years, have shaped the Canadian healthcare system. Three principles that ensure that, whatever our circumstances, we should be able to receive treatment without having to get our credit card out.

But today, these foundations are being shaken.

When the private sector steps in… and changes the rules

In Alberta, the passing of Bill 11 marks a worrying turning point.

By allowing doctors to practice in the public network while charging patients fees, we are paving the way for a two-tier system.

This means what in practical terms? That some people can be treated more quickly.. simply because they have the means to pay.

This is exactly the kind of abuse that the Canadian Health Act sought to prevent.

The United Nurses of Alberta, the nurses union in Alberta, is sounding the alarm and denouncing policies that are likely to weaken the public network, divert already limited resources and exacerbate inequalities in access to healthcare.

Québec is no exception

One might think that this debate is taking place far away, but in Québec too the question of the private sector’s role is being raised with increasing frequency. Québec’s new premier, Christine Fréchette, recently évoqué la volonté « d’utiliser davantage le privé » (mentioned the desire to ‘make greater use of the private sector’) to improve access to healthcare.

However, numerous studies have shown that this type of approach carries very real risks: competition for staff, fragmentation of services, and a weakening of the public sector.

The real solution: strengthen the public network

In this context, we need to get back to basics: a sustainable solution depends on a strong public network.

A network where working conditions will retain healthcare professionals. A network where the teams are stable. A network where access to healthcare does not depend on how much money you have.

Solidarity among healthcare professionals transcends provincial borders. When nurses in Alberta stand up to defend their public system, they are also defending the values we hold dear here in Québec.

Today, we pay tribute to their courage and leadership.

And we join them in reiterating a simple conviction: healthcare must remain a right, not a privilege.