I think I'm the first Canadian to post in this thread. And not only am I Canadian, I am employed by a Health Region. So, I see the benefits from both sides.
Absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, unequivocally, Canada is a better place for having a Universal Health Care system. Yes, it has its flaws. We do not live in Utopia. But the system that is in place and has provided Canadians with free access to health care for over 4 decades is greatly appreciated by each and every one of the people who have used our health care system.
Yes, there are stories going around about long wait lists and patients being tended in hospital corridors because there are no beds available. But these are isolated, sensationalized incidents.
I have been a patient in a large metropolitan hospital and I have been a patient in a small rural hospital. I received the same prompt, professional service in each of these. I have been to a hospital with heart issues and was seen immediately. The longest I can remember waiting in an emergency room was one hour.
Admittedly, we do have a problem with keeping our specialists. I live in a city of 250,000 and I had to wait 8 months to see a dermatologist as there is only one here. Many professionals, doctors included, flock to where the money is. And for a specialized doctor, the money is in private practice in the United States. If the U.S. were to convert to Universal Health Care, our specialists would not be so tempted to move and our health care system would be that much better.
I am an average Canadian, and every single average Canadian that I know would never trade our current health care system for what is available in the States.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/29/real-canadians-stick-up-f_n_243752.html