The most unsuspected thing about Canadian Medical programs is that BC has a program that has been the guideline the other provinces used to activate their own. And that it was put in place by the Social Credit Party. A western right wing conservative faction. Much like the Tea Party in the US, is a bit different than the mainstream conservatives.
Health care in Canada is managed by the Provinces (States) Not the Federal government. The Federal government does however contribute in order to help provide equality across the country.
WAC Bennett the then Premier was a very successful businessman Owning wineries, hardware stores Furniture outlets and the family still has holdings in some of these industries plus the Orchard Park Mall in Kelowna BC A billion or so dollar asset.
Bennett saw the Province as being mismanaged by the Liberal Party. He set out with his business background to make it prosper. Create jobs for those who had just returned from overseas and the second world war.
He was elected premier in 1952 as the head of an unheard of party. Bennett was elected in minority in 1952, and with a full majority of the vote in 1953, 1956, 1960, 1963, 1966, and 1969. Bennett lost as leader of the Province in 1972, the last election in which he was a candidate. His son Bill Bennett assumed the Premiership again a year later when BC voters chose to remove the New Democrat minority (socialist) government from office.
Bennett a conservative believed in Provincial strength for the benefit of all, and Nationalized much of the essential provincial structure. beginning in 1955 with universal medical, dental, hospital, and pharmaceutical insurance coverage paying for it by a 3 cent sales tax on all goods. Still funding it today. Nationalized into crown corporations, the BC ferry system, BC electric (Now BC Hydro), BC Rail, Cities were given rights to parking meters, water services as a revenue sources. Rather than letting it to private enterprise. The people are the share holders.
Profits from the previous mentioned plus BC's auto and travel insurance agencies provides many other services to residents and lowers costs. Example a Three or four bedroom home electricity bill averages around $100 per month, Water and Garbage services combined $75 per month. Our Canadian residence has a foot print of just over 2000 sq ft. Yearly Taxes $1100 So it is not all that bad.
Government funded Post-secondary education institutions were created and expanded in the 1960s, including with the addition of BC's second and third degree-granting universities: the University of Victoria in 1963 and Simon Fraser University in 1965. Helping to push Canada to top ranking as the world's highest educated country.
Bennett played a major part in the negotiations between the US and Canada in achieving the Columbia river Treaty. Concerning Power rights and downstream flood control.
And this was done under Conservative administration, I would suggest folks should give Trump a chance before they jump to conclusions.
historymuseum.ca |
