Not really.
I have an elderly friend who experienced what he thought was a heart attack while driving his car. He drove to the hospital in Brantford Ont. and found he didn't have the strength to get out of the car .He parked and laid on the horn. Within 5 minutes he was being wheeled in to the hospital. By nurses who came out in response to the person who was attracted by the horn .
Over the years I've taken several people to the emergency room . And I ain't no ambulance .
As for the Steyn story. I have another acquaintance who I helped yesterday . He's 82 and on Oct. 29th went to the doctor and was diagnosed with cancer of the bowel . Since then he had the tests , the operation and the recovery. Yesterday he was walking under his own steam , a little lighter than the last time I saw him , but hopefully cancer free.
Maybe Steyn just has trouble speaking French?
Isn't Canadian healthcare managed on the provincial level?