[-YYZ-]

But many believe it was the Conservatives' position on health care that cost them the last federal election and, in what amounts to pre-election manoeuvering, Harper fired the first round in the medicare debate and solidified his party's position on the Canada Health Act.

Harper also went against predominant Conservative minds such as Mike Harris and Preston Manning, who propose the Canada Health Act be scrapped and the feds be kicked out of the health-care business.

"The Conservative party of Canada fully supports the evolution of the Canadian health-care system within the framework of the Canada Health Act," said Harper at a Fraser Institute lunch.

Smart - politics is the art of the possible, it has been said. Modify the message to one that Canadians will find palatable. If we are to continue to have a publically funded health care system in this country, then it needs major changes, but most Canadians don't seem to realize it or want to admit it. I support continuing a publically-funded system, but with major modifications - we are, I believe, the only country in the world with such a system where there is no private or alternative component at all.

I wouldn't want the Conservatives to take on the Liberal's behaviour of doing anything that will get them or keep them in power, but at the same time they're not going to accomplish much if they never get into power.

[fanfan]

we are, I believe, the only country in the world with such a system where there is no private or alternative component at all.

Almost. We share that honour with North Korea and Cuba.

I wouldn't want the Conservatives to take on the Liberal's behaviour of doing anything that will get them or keep them in power, but at the same time they're not going to accomplish much if they never get into power.

You've got that right.