On Tuesday afternoon, members of the Kingston Health Coalition gathered outside the constituency office of Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen on Concession Street.
Waving signs and chanting slogans, their aim was to urge the Liberals to uphold the Canada Health Act and put a stop to Bill 11, which promotes a two-tier health-care system across Canada.
“We’ve been battling with the Ford government for years over privatization, and it’s only getting worse. More patients are having to pay out of pocket,” said Ross Sutherland, chair of the Ontario Health Coalition and co-chair of the Kingston Health Coalition.
We have been fighting with the Ford government for years over privatization.
Ross Sutherland chair of the Ontario Health Coalition and co-chair of the Kingston Health Coalition
As of September 1, Bill 11 began in Alberta, allowing approved doctors to treat both publicly funded patients and those who can pay privately or through insurance.
Critics like those in the Kingston Health Coalition argue that this law threatens universal health care’s foundation in Canada.
“The ball is now in the Liberals’ court,” stated the coalition. “They must enforce the Canada Health Act. This is federal legislation that outlines what provinces need to receive funding from Ottawa, amounting to billions. The rules require comprehensive, universal health care based on needs rather than financial capability,” explained Sutherland. “We want a clear commitment from (Prime Minister Mark) Carney that Bill 11 in Alberta violates the Canada Health Act.”
Enacted in 1984 specifically against extra billing patients, Sutherland noted that after 42 years they’re still engaged in this fight-especially regarding surgeries like cataract operations covered by OHIP but often resulting in long wait times. Consequently, some private clinics offer faster surgery at a price.
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Sheila Ducarme attended the rally as someone who understands these issues personally.
Her husband was diagnosed with cataracts last September.
“We’ve visited two different clinics, and if we pay them $9,000 upfront, they’ll schedule him for next Tuesday,” Ducarme shared. “We don’t have $9,000. So here we are.”
Sheila Ducarme joined the rally on Sept. 1, 2026, asking the Liberals to enforce the Canada Health Act. (Photo by MAEGEN KULCHAR/The Kingston Whig-Standard/Postmedia) Maegen Kulchar / The Kingston Whig-Standard
Currently, she still doesn’t know when her husband will get his surgery; all she knows is that she doesn’t want Ontario’s system turning into one similar to that of the United States.
“I traveled extensively throughout America for years and met many younger folks who hadn’t seen a doctor in ten years despite having health issues because they couldn’t afford it,” she reflected. “That’s exactly what I don’t want happening here.”
“I travelled extensively in the U. S. for years, and I met people who were much younger than me that hadn’t been to a doctor in 10 years, even though they had disability issues and they were not well.”
Sheila Ducarme Member of the Kingston Health Coalition
Sutherland agreed that this situation resembles what many experience in America where numerous individuals lack insurance.
“There are about 70 million people without any health coverage at all; they simply can’t access care,” he said. “In fact, medical bills lead to more personal bankruptcies than anything else there-people go into hospitals for treatment only to end up facing a $10,000 bill that costs them their homes,” noted Sutherland.
Also present was retired Dr. Dick Zoutman who continues teaching at Queen’s University medical school.
He shared his belief formed over more than four decades working within public healthcare-that it’s essential for Canadians.
“In Canada we view our publicly funded healthcare as almost sacred; you shouldn’t have to pay out-of-pocket just to access necessary care,” Zoutman stated firmly. “Bill 11 insults Canadians because it implies you can receive superior healthcare quicker if you’ve got money.” He continued saying research shows private healthcare often results in lower quality services-debunking claims about its superiority being just a myth.”
Dr. Dick Zoutman stands outside of MP Mark Gerretson’s office in Kingston holding a sign against privatization of health care. (Photo by MAEGEN KULCHAR/The Kingston Whig-Standard/Postmedia) Maegen Kulchar / The Kingston Whig-Standard
According to him, Bill 11 will create division within healthcare systems-one tier for those with wealth while leaving others waiting indefinitely.
Zoutman added it would also pressure public resources as nurses and other staff transition into private settings.
”We already struggle with staffing shortages; we don’t have enough nurses or doctors available for another system,” Zoutman elaborated.”Our current setup will divide between basic needs versus deluxe services-and every time deluxe will prevail,” he emphasized.”Behavioral economics shows us clearly how money drives choices-it’ll be an enormous drain on resources.”
Meanwhile, Sutherland urged Ontarians take immediate action urging their MPs stand firm against this emerging two-tiered model before it becomes widespread :
“I’m here encouraging everyone be protectors Canadian-style Healthcare going forward,” concluded Sutherland.
Gerretsen did not reply when approached by Whig seeking comments before publication deadline :
MPP Ted Hsu opposed privatization , stating via spokesperson statement ” From provincial standpoint , Ted & Ontario Liberal Party do not endorse private-for-profit care. “
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