BC FORUM Members in Action!

March, 2010

Letter sent to Barack Obama, President, The United States of America

The White House, Washington, DC

Dear Mr. President:

Thank you for your message of hope, passion and sincerity, for a new beginning toward peace and stability in your America and my Canada.

Your Administration is faced with finding solutions to the major financial, social and economic problems, at the most challenging time in world history.

You stated during your Inauguration, “We must join and work together toward resolving urgent matters such as world conflict, world poverty, housing, improved and affordable health care for all citizens, and equal opportunity and social justice for all”.

As a Canadian I am proud of Canada’s publicly funded not-for-profit Medicare system that is determined by need, not on the ability to pay.

As a child suffering a serious illness, I spent several years in hospital, prior to the introduction of Canada’s Medicare system. My family suffered shame and humiliation because they could not pay for my care and treatment, during lengthy periods of unemployment and the economics of the 1930’s depression years.

Fortunately, that changed for all Canadians with the introduction of Medicare.

I am dismayed and offended by so many critics in the United States and Canada that mislead the American people regarding the facts and benefits of Canadian healthcare. Yes, Canada’s Medicare system requires review and updating from time to time, however no citizen can be denied treatment, based on ability to pay. I trust your Administration is seriously committed to introducing a much improved healthcare system for all Americans.

Mr. President, stay the course in your desire and determination to providing solutions to the many problems facing the United States of America. I sincerely hope your Administration’s decisions will lend support to all nations seeking freedom, peace and prosperity.

Mrs. Mildred Canessa

Langley, BC, Canada