We Could Call It 'Fee for Service'

Yesterday the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Quebec's ban on private health coverage, concluding that it violates the province's Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. The challenge was brought by a patient who waited more than a year for a hip replacement and thought he should be allowed to get faster service by paying for it. He was joined by his doctor, who would like to charge people for treating them. To an American, the fact that these are considered radical propositions in Canada is rather startling, but so is the fact that a Canadian court would overturn economic regulations as a violation of human rights.