[Lancey Howard]

He's not being a hypocrite. He's not saying that only he should have the right to go outside the system.

Sure, if they can afford it, like he can. He's a hypocrite. Read the quote again - - he is "in favour of a very strong public system". That means he likes socialism as long as he (and other elitists with money) can opt out.

[inquest]

You're using a very leftist definition of the word "elitist". Much of the good things that are available to us today used to be only available to the "elite". If that option had been cut off from them, then we would be enjoying the benefits today. So allowing the "elite" (i.e., anyone who can afford it) to opt out of Canada's socialist system is a first step toward eliminating it altogether.

[inquest]

I should add also that by "opting out", he's not opting out of paying into the system, just opting out of using its resources. Hence, he's actually helping everyone else by doing so.