Needs No Introduction

The 2014 Health Accord will set out the national plan for our health care system and play a key role in determining the direction for health care in Canada. The Federal government has already revealed plans to cut federal health transfers.  On January 16-17, 2012 Premier Christy Clark hosted premiers from across the country to discuss health care and fiscal arrangements with the federal government related to the 2014 Health Accord. The Council of Canadians and the BC Health Coalition joined together to hold this townhall meeting. Following are the opening remarks by three researchers and advocates for health care, who say now is the time for Canadians to speak out to protect our public health care system. Rachel Tutte, the co-chair of the BC Health Coalition, introduced the series of three lectures:  Mike Luff, NUPGE Director of Communications, dispells the notion that health care is not affordable or sustainable - "a triumph of economics", and outlines the principles for building a new accord.