Since I am Canadian I won't be voting, but I feel the need to mention something about the Canadian health care system.

I am a diabetic, and have been for a long time now. I pay for basic health premiums (MSP), based on my income, that allows me to see a doctor at any time or go to a hospital at any time without having to concern myself with a hefty bill later on. It adds up to a piddly $54 a month. In my opinion, that is not a very large cost for piece of mind.

I was just laid off from my job, so I have now been unemployed for 2 weeks. I am looking for work every day, but I at least know that because I pay this premium, I will be able to continue to see my doctors, get blood tests, and go to the hospital if needed, even though I have no income.

When I get a job, I will hopefully be able to sign up for an extended medical program through the employer that will cover any medications that aren't covered by my MSP (such as antibiotics, etc). However, even if I can't get an extended plan, I will still be covered by MSP once I have paid my deductable, which I believe is $500. Since I pay that in one month for medication, I would be fine after January of next year. I just have to keep paying my $54 per month.

I had surgery last year that was covered, I will be seeing a specialist in a month or so due to a knee injury that will be covered, and when that needs surgery, I won't have to pay for that either. I would be in a very serious condition if I didn't have this MSP to help. This system can and does work - I don't know about other countries or even other provinces but I know that without this program, I would not be able to afford the medication needed to keep me alive.