While I am not comparing the two…obviously the health care system in the US is lagging, but it is not uncommon for Canadians, particularly those in interior of the province to build huge debt as they travel to and from treatment for family members and incur huge debt as they miss work etc. I am so glad that I don’t live down south with their archaic system that in no way helps anyone who may be slightly underprivileged, but I don’t know if the ad is an indictment of their system.

If I understand you correctly, the debt you are referring to isn’t really a reflection on a health care system per se. If I can assume that we are discussing a situation where care is provided in a timely and professional manner (which isn’t always the case), then the health care system is doing its job. Unfortunately there are many other factors that come into play that can cause economic grief. There are some things that we can do to mitigate the situation – think critical life and disability insurance. I would even argue that these products are in reach of most Canadians, in particular critical life insurance which may cost $40/month.

You do understand…to a point. My thinking is more along the lines of people in the valley who need health care service that is simply not available in the area. Traveling back and forth between Calgary/Kelowna and home is a huge cost factor. I think it is related to the health care system and I am not sure whether people in the remote areas of our province get timely and professional care.