[kanawa]

In fact, the main source of funding for Canada's national health care system is the infamous GST -- the national sales tax implemented under the "conservative" Mulroney government in 1991.

A few points...
Public health care was around long before the GST.
The GST at 7% was a replacement for the hidden Manufacturers' Sales Tax (MST)of 13.5% link
For profit health care centers do exist in Canada and are increasing in number...
Top court strikes down Quebec private health-care ban
WellPointHealthServices
Company plans private health care for Ont. this summer, across Canada by 2007
There is in effect a two-tier health care system in Canada.
Correct me if I'm wrong...Although there are differences from the US, the fact that anyone in the US regardless of ability to pay has access to hospital care indicates we are more alike than different.
In effect paying Americans subsidize the poorer patients.

On a personal note...I'm getting older and will shortly be in need of extensive dental work leading in the end to dentures.
All the costs for this will be out of my own pocket.
We certainly do not have "universal" health care.

[Alberta's Child]

I understand everything you've posted there, but keep in mind that none of the things that are moving Canada slowly away from their single-payer health care system can be attributed to political stands taken by Tory leaders in Parliament. When Canada's health care system eventually comes crashing down, it will be the direct result of actions on the part of provincial leaders -- mainly quasi-separatist elements in Quebec and Alberta -- who recognize that Canada is basically an ungovernable nation and therefore make their own decisions about what's best for their constituents.