For immediate release

November 28, 2002

OTTAWA -- Romanow has confirmed what Canadians believe - our public health system is less costly, more fair and of higher quality than privatized care. "Now it's time for the federal government to put the money behind our values," said Brian Payne, President of CEP.

"This is also good news for the Canadian economy", Payne added, "and employers should be supporting public health care. With Romanow's help, we can avoid the US scenario of fighting for health care at the bargaining table."

In the US, 55% of Americans rely on employer-based plans for health care. As costs have risen, employers have cut back on health care coverage, which has become the number one bargaining issue in the US. With the average premium for family coverage costing American employers $5800 (US) per worker per year, Canadian employers have everything to gain from our public system.

"There's no doubt that public health care is a major competitive advantage for Canadian business," said Payne. In Canada, cutbacks in publicly provided services have meant more costs under extended health care plans provided at work. Employers have been faced with rapidly increasing insurance premiums to cover work-based health plans, especially the cost of drugs. Increased funds for public health care and controls on drug costs can only be good for the bottom line.

Payne added a cautionary note: "In health care, public is best and this needs to be applied consistently. We oppose Romanow's acceptance of privatization of health care support services, like food and laundry in hospitals."

"Let's keep health care off the negotiating table and get it back where it belongs - in a stable publicly funded program," concluded Payne.

For more information: Julie White at (613) 230-5200, ext. 241 or Fred Wilson at (613) 230-5200, ext. 229.