Now we wait... please see the letter sent below to the two ministers whose portfolios  oversee both health care a competitive practices in Canada.

If you have not already written (and thank to those of you who have!) please copy and paste this letter below and forward it to your local MP and the two Minister's noted herein. 

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

email: francois-philippe.champagne@parl.gc.ca

The Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health
House of Commons
Ottawa, OntarioK1A 0A6

email: mark.holland@parl.gc.ca

Dear Ministers Champagne and Holland,

I am writing to you today as a concerned advocate for equitable healthcare access across Canada, particularly for our most vulnerable populations in rural and low-income communities. My intention is to highlight the challenges and anti-competitive nature of Preferred Provider Networks (PPNs) and other corporate strategies within our healthcare system, and to urge your ministries to consider policy reforms that prioritize the health and well-being of all Canadians. PPN's are but one of many strategies that being carefully crafted by corporations to prioritize Canadian Health Care and degrade socialized health.

You will find attached a petition now signed by well over 15,000 people demanding our government step up to protect a socialized Canadian Health Care System and block efforts to profit off of our care, risking the health and lives of Canadians. 

The petition with signatures can be see live on change.org at this link: https://www.change.org/p/stop-loblaws-manulife-from-using-ppn-s-to-prifitze-canadian-health-care

PPNs, while designed to manage healthcare costs, often inadvertently create barriers to care for those residing in rural areas and for individuals facing economic hardships. The limited choice of providers within these networks can result in significant travel burdens, delayed care, and increased out-of-pocket expenses for patients who are already at a disadvantage. This situation not only exacerbates health inequities but also undermines the principles of universality and accessibility enshrined in the Canada Health Act.

Moreover, the anti-competitive nature of PPNs can stifle innovation and efficiency within our healthcare system. By restricting patient choice and provider competition, PPNs can lead to a homogenization of services, where the unique needs of diverse communities are not adequately addressed. This is particularly concerning in a country as vast and varied as Canada, where healthcare solutions should be as diverse as the population they serve.To address these issues, I propose the following recommendations:

Enhance Regulatory Oversight: Implement stricter regulations on PPNs and other strategies used by corporations to ensure they do not restrict access to care for rural and low-income Canadians. This could include requirements for network adequacy, transparency in provider selection, and patient rights to out-of-network care without punitive costs.

Promote Provider Diversity: Encourage the inclusion of a broader range of healthcare providers in PPNs, including those in rural and underserved areas, to ensure all Canadians have access to high-quality care within their communities.

Foster Innovation and Competition: Support policies that encourage innovation in healthcare delivery and promote competition among providers, ensuring that quality of care is continuously improved and that patients have access to the best possible services.

Invest in Rural Healthcare Infrastructure: Allocate federal resources to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, including investments in telehealth, mobile clinics, and training for rural healthcare professionals.

Engage with Stakeholders: Conduct consultations with healthcare providers, patients, and advocacy groups to understand the impacts of PPNs and explore collaborative solutions that uphold the values of our healthcare system.

Ban corporate profiteering strategies targeted at health care.

I believe that by addressing the challenges posed by PPNs and other strategies, we can move closer to a healthcare system that truly reflects the needs and values of all Canadians. I urge your ministries to consider these recommendations and to take decisive action to ensure equitable access to healthcare across our nation.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I am available at your convenience to discuss these issues further and to participate in any initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and equity in Canada.