Aa
Palins Book
Very much part of currant events is Sarah Palins book, I may get it,sound a good read. I must admit I have been shocked at the attacks she has recived and can only assume that most of it is because the left wing radicals are afraid of her, no doubt she is popular maybe she will run in 2012 .... they feel threatened certainly the 'Lame stream media feels threatened .
Thanks. You know the old saying, life gives you lemons make lemonade! I miss him. Well little Mr. Ryder is one very lucky little guy. Good luck adgal.
Dont give up on the forum. There really is a great group here. I think some of us can be a little hormonal from time to time. No group of women ever got along all the time! lol
I find your posts very interesting.
Dont give up on the forum. There really is a great group here. I think some of us can be a little hormonal from time to time. No group of women ever got along all the time! lol
I find your posts very interesting.
And I am so sorry about your eldest child. I cannot imagine what that must have been like for you. My prayers are with you.
Wow, 6 children!! You are my hero. I would love to have more, but I don't think it's in the cards for us. I have miscarried 5 times in the last 2 years trying to have this little guy. I will be 41 this month, so I have to be realistic. We are going to adopt at least one though. I really want more then one child and I think we can give a pretty good home to a little one in need. All these January babies!! Aquarians...lol!
His name is Ryder Steven Warren +last name+. Ryder just because we like it. Steven is a cousin of mine that I was quite close to and he passed away. Warren is my husbands name and there has been a Warren in every generation of his family as far back as you can go.
Sorry for the rant, was trying to clear the air a bit. Plus, I just might be a trifle bit hormonal.....lol.
His name is Ryder Steven Warren +last name+. Ryder just because we like it. Steven is a cousin of mine that I was quite close to and he passed away. Warren is my husbands name and there has been a Warren in every generation of his family as far back as you can go.
Sorry for the rant, was trying to clear the air a bit. Plus, I just might be a trifle bit hormonal.....lol.
I have 6. 3 boys and then 3 girls. 22 grandchildren do you believe it! My oldest boy is passed on. You have to keep going till you have at least one girl. The boys end up marrying and going to the wifes family. The girls come home for holidays. I wish you at least one boy and one girl. The girls bd are jan 21, 26 and 28th. Go figure, huh! Happy Birthday to you and the little one. Names?
My actual date is January 31st. My birthday is January 30th as well, and my husbands is Jan. 5th. Even though I am ready to have him now (I am impatient..lol), it would be sort of neat if he came on the 30th. In addition to it being my birthday, it was my maternal Grandmother's birthday and I was her first grandchild. If she was still with us, this would be her first great-grandchild. I was very very close to her, so it would be kind of nice.
I haven't gotten up the courage to drink castor oil yet..not sure I could stomach that. I am trying to walk a lot and in about an hour I am going for a prenatal massage. It would be fine for him to stay put, but honestly, these contraction really hurt sometimes. Plus he is sitting so low now that it's hard to walk very far. Sigh, I am just a big whiner right now....lol.
I haven't gotten up the courage to drink castor oil yet..not sure I could stomach that. I am trying to walk a lot and in about an hour I am going for a prenatal massage. It would be fine for him to stay put, but honestly, these contraction really hurt sometimes. Plus he is sitting so low now that it's hard to walk very far. Sigh, I am just a big whiner right now....lol.
It sounds like you would be considered a liberal in the US. I consider myself a liberal too, on most issues, but a moderate or even conservative on some other issues.
When is your actual due date? My son was born on Jan.30Th (34 yrs. ago, lol) but I was about 43 weeks when he finally decided to come out. I even drank a pint of Castor Oil trying to get him to move out. LOL, he didn't move but I sure did. Well keep us updated.
When is your actual due date? My son was born on Jan.30Th (34 yrs. ago, lol) but I was about 43 weeks when he finally decided to come out. I even drank a pint of Castor Oil trying to get him to move out. LOL, he didn't move but I sure did. Well keep us updated.
Nope, no baby yet!! Although I wish he would come. I'm a little over 38 weeks and have been having contractions for awhile. My OB keeps saying anytime, but nothing is really progressing. The little monkey kept me up most of the night last night..lol. I guess I need to get used to that huh!
Thanks for the kind words from all of you. I am not upset, I am however quite confused. I am certainly not part of any conspiracy or anything to bring a whole bunch of liberals into this forum. I don't even know much about your medical system to tell you the truth. I have heard from some they are happy with it, others they are not. I have no personal vested interest in what the US decides there, but I do hope it works for everyone here.
I really didn't know anyone here before the last few days. The only person I had ever really had any direct interaction with was Peggy who commented on a journal of mine (and it was a pleasant exchange, there was not issue between us or anything), and that's it.
Am I a liberal? Well, by the definition where I live, yes. I am an advocate for the homeless and those living in poverty. Thats more then my belief system, it's my career choice and one I am proud of. I work for a local Christian organization and this is our primary area of focus. That includes street people, new immigrants and victims of Domestic Violence. I work with hard core drug addicts, prostitutes and people who have had just plain old bad luck in life. I am pro choice and pro gay marriage. I am anti violence of any sort and believe in freedom of speech and equal rights for everyone. Here in Canada, that makes me a liberal. I am not certain how I would be defined in the US. If I had lived in another time I would probably have been on the front lines of the civil rights movement. So yes, I do consider myself liberal, again, by our standards in Canada.
I don't want to fight with anyone, nor do I want to start issues between any of you. I have enjoyed the debates (without the mud slinging) and love the opportunity to give my opinion on various issues. I also like to hear others opinions and try to keep an open mind. I do not expect everyone to agree with me. I will never ever disrespect your views, even if I disagree.
I hope that clears things up Margy. I don't want to keep defending myself. I really did not intend to offend you. And I do appreciate the words of reassurance from Allaboutmary, Flmagi and Teko. Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words from all of you. I am not upset, I am however quite confused. I am certainly not part of any conspiracy or anything to bring a whole bunch of liberals into this forum. I don't even know much about your medical system to tell you the truth. I have heard from some they are happy with it, others they are not. I have no personal vested interest in what the US decides there, but I do hope it works for everyone here.
I really didn't know anyone here before the last few days. The only person I had ever really had any direct interaction with was Peggy who commented on a journal of mine (and it was a pleasant exchange, there was not issue between us or anything), and that's it.
Am I a liberal? Well, by the definition where I live, yes. I am an advocate for the homeless and those living in poverty. Thats more then my belief system, it's my career choice and one I am proud of. I work for a local Christian organization and this is our primary area of focus. That includes street people, new immigrants and victims of Domestic Violence. I work with hard core drug addicts, prostitutes and people who have had just plain old bad luck in life. I am pro choice and pro gay marriage. I am anti violence of any sort and believe in freedom of speech and equal rights for everyone. Here in Canada, that makes me a liberal. I am not certain how I would be defined in the US. If I had lived in another time I would probably have been on the front lines of the civil rights movement. So yes, I do consider myself liberal, again, by our standards in Canada.
I don't want to fight with anyone, nor do I want to start issues between any of you. I have enjoyed the debates (without the mud slinging) and love the opportunity to give my opinion on various issues. I also like to hear others opinions and try to keep an open mind. I do not expect everyone to agree with me. I will never ever disrespect your views, even if I disagree.
I hope that clears things up Margy. I don't want to keep defending myself. I really did not intend to offend you. And I do appreciate the words of reassurance from Allaboutmary, Flmagi and Teko. Thank you.
I was wondering that too. lol Maybe she is resting. I guess if she doesn't post later tonight we can assume she is having the baby. She said she was ready.
OMG! Did she have the baby? Oh Mercy! I did not know she was that close, did we upset her? Oh No! Hope all is well!
Please don't apologize. You did absolutely nothing wrong. You have been beyond polite and courteous. I myself have decided to completely ignore some people on here. After losing my temper the other day, which I regret, it seems this is the only way I will be able to enjoy this forum. Some try very hard to pull you into pointless bickering. Then their are others that give informative posts with no mud-slinging. I admit, after feeling provoked, I have joined in. I will not do that any longer. Matter of fact, Iladvocate totally changed my mind on how I felt about the war in Afghanistan. It was a very thought provoking post. That's what I enjoy and why I come here.
Now back to Canada. Do you have lobbyists ? I feel the lobbyists are a huge problem here in the US. The insurance industry spent billions trying to stop the public health-care plan. From what I understood the majority of Americans were for public health-care (at least from the polls a year ago). Yet we will not be getting it. Something is definitely wrong with this picture. Congressmen on both sides are bought and paid for. I think such an important thing as health-care needs to be taken straight to the people to vote on.
How are the contractions going ? I peeked at your pictures and your nursery is adorable.
Now back to Canada. Do you have lobbyists ? I feel the lobbyists are a huge problem here in the US. The insurance industry spent billions trying to stop the public health-care plan. From what I understood the majority of Americans were for public health-care (at least from the polls a year ago). Yet we will not be getting it. Something is definitely wrong with this picture. Congressmen on both sides are bought and paid for. I think such an important thing as health-care needs to be taken straight to the people to vote on.
How are the contractions going ? I peeked at your pictures and your nursery is adorable.
I really enjoy hearing about the Canadian Health Care system and the governmental system. It's refreshing to hear things outside of the usual stuff. I've also never heard anything bad about the Canadian health Care from all the Canadians I've spoken with, and the triage situation sounds just like what we have here (most in need come first in the ER). It's kind of funny to hear that most Canadians don't pay much attention to the government there, I guess when things run fairly smooth and people are taken care of and happy, there's not much need. Sounds great. (oh boy, I'm gonna get flack for saying that, LOL).
Don't think twice about posting that info on this thread, as most threads get off subject anyway.
Congrats on the baby on the way!! I so want a grand baby, but I don't see it happening anytime in the near future. Make sure you give us all the details when you can. You're gonna be very busy!
Don't think twice about posting that info on this thread, as most threads get off subject anyway.
Congrats on the baby on the way!! I so want a grand baby, but I don't see it happening anytime in the near future. Make sure you give us all the details when you can. You're gonna be very busy!
And sorry, one other thing....if you look back at my posts from my time on MedHelp, in the two years I have been here I don't think I have every really fought with anyone. I just don't do it. I actually am a fairly polite and respectful person and I am pretty proud of that. Even when I don't agree with you, I will respect your beliefs and try to learn something from them. For me anyway, that's sort of the whole point. I like hearing different perspectives. I came on here to participate in conversations about various topics. But I am proud of my country, just as you are proud of yours. Canada is far from perfect, but it's my home. And if asked, I will share information about it and my perspective on how things are done here. I can guarantee not all Canadians share my view on our policies, just as all Americans don't agree on policies where you are. But I am still a proud Canadian. Is that so bad?
Yes, I am liberal, at least in most of my views. I don't understand why that's an issue. I was asked about the Canadian Medical System and the Canadian Gov't System. I'm a bit confused...what is it I am trying to do? I respect your belief system and besides the fighting in here, and pretty interested in the whole debate between the two sides. And I don't think I have been rude to anyone or attacked anyone. I've even agreed with more then one opinion from the more conservative folks here. I think I have said a couple of times though that if I was American I would probably be a Democrat. Sorry Margy, I'm not sure what I'm doing. I was answering a question.
Sorry to interupt you but the thread is about Palins book, As You adgal are obviously a liberal trying to be polite , and from Canada you only have heard one side you actually came onto this group to side with the liberals here that is obvious.... I can actually see what you are doing ...so okay forget the book carry on guys ....
Lol I liked that. I'm going to have to re-read that in the morning. I want to see which party I would belong to.
We must have been typing at the same time.
We must have been typing at the same time.
CONTRACTIONS ! Ahhhhh I'm so happy for you. Do you have your bag packed ? This is so exciting ! I will miss reading your posts though........your gonna be busy for a while.lol Please do let us know and post a pic of your bundle of joy. Look forward to talking with you again. ( had to work today and it's bedtime for me)
This is sort of a "tongue in cheek" explanation of our political parties. The author is most definatly a supporter of the Conservative Party, so it's a bit of a slanted description, but really not to far off. And humorous....and seeings how you were asking...lol.
Many of our American Brothers and Sisters wonder what our Parliamentary system of Political Parties are all about, including many Canadians and others from all parts of the world, Americans have a two party system of Democrats and Republicans, where as Canada has three political Parties. Perhaps below can explain the Mandate of these three Political Parties it in a Nutshell.
Canadian Political Parties in a Nutshell
A little girl was asked what she wanted to be when she grows up. She said she wanted to be Prime Minister of Canada some day.
Both of her parents, NDP supporters (Canada's Socialist Party), were standing there proudly sipping their Soy Lattes with a wisp of cinnamon.
So I asked the little girl,"If you were Prime Minister what would be the first thing you would do?" The little girl replied, "I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people."
Needless to day the little girls parents were absolutely "Orgasmic" at their daughters response and beamed, and said, "Welcome to the NDP Party!"
"Wow ... what a worthy goal!" I told her. I said to the Little Girl "But you don't have to wait until you're Prime Minister to do that. You can come over to my house, mow the lawn, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I'll pay you $50.Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out. You can give him the $50 to use toward food and a new house.
" The Little Girl thought that over for a few seconds, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, "Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?" I smiled and said, "Welcome to the Conservative Party."
The Little Girls parents went into immediate cardiac arrest, and are now in intensive care, while the little girl was shuffled off into a Re Education Camp.
The 3rd Political party, the Liberal Party, would have chastised me for using Child Labour, when there are other qualified applicants who also speak both official Languages, both French and English. Not to be outdone, I and the little girl would receive a visit from the Federal Income Tax branch inquiring if Goods and Services Tax of 5% *(GST) was charged for this service, Pension Plan, Additional money for Vacation pay in lieu of salary of 4%. The Liberal Ministry of Labour would then ask if this girl belonged to a Union, what is her gender, is she an ethnic minority, and if her medical plan was paid as part of that $50.00
The Provincal (State) Liberal party would then question if Workmans Compensation were paid on behalf of this little girl, as well as any Provincial Sales Tax (PST) was owing to the Liberal Government! The Municipal Liberals would most likely insist this little girl was in business and thus did she pay for her business licence?
After all is said and done, the little girl would end up owing more money than she earned to the Liberal government instead.
Welcome to the Liberal Party
And just to clarify..when the author talks about paying into her medical plan. Most employers offer extended medical benefits. The premiums are often split between employee and employer. It is handled by private insurance companies, and covers things such as dental care, prescriptions, massage therapy, physio therapy, etc. You get the idea. Plans like this must be offered if the company is a certain size (not sure exactly how big)
Many of our American Brothers and Sisters wonder what our Parliamentary system of Political Parties are all about, including many Canadians and others from all parts of the world, Americans have a two party system of Democrats and Republicans, where as Canada has three political Parties. Perhaps below can explain the Mandate of these three Political Parties it in a Nutshell.
Canadian Political Parties in a Nutshell
A little girl was asked what she wanted to be when she grows up. She said she wanted to be Prime Minister of Canada some day.
Both of her parents, NDP supporters (Canada's Socialist Party), were standing there proudly sipping their Soy Lattes with a wisp of cinnamon.
So I asked the little girl,"If you were Prime Minister what would be the first thing you would do?" The little girl replied, "I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people."
Needless to day the little girls parents were absolutely "Orgasmic" at their daughters response and beamed, and said, "Welcome to the NDP Party!"
"Wow ... what a worthy goal!" I told her. I said to the Little Girl "But you don't have to wait until you're Prime Minister to do that. You can come over to my house, mow the lawn, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I'll pay you $50.Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out. You can give him the $50 to use toward food and a new house.
" The Little Girl thought that over for a few seconds, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, "Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?" I smiled and said, "Welcome to the Conservative Party."
The Little Girls parents went into immediate cardiac arrest, and are now in intensive care, while the little girl was shuffled off into a Re Education Camp.
The 3rd Political party, the Liberal Party, would have chastised me for using Child Labour, when there are other qualified applicants who also speak both official Languages, both French and English. Not to be outdone, I and the little girl would receive a visit from the Federal Income Tax branch inquiring if Goods and Services Tax of 5% *(GST) was charged for this service, Pension Plan, Additional money for Vacation pay in lieu of salary of 4%. The Liberal Ministry of Labour would then ask if this girl belonged to a Union, what is her gender, is she an ethnic minority, and if her medical plan was paid as part of that $50.00
The Provincal (State) Liberal party would then question if Workmans Compensation were paid on behalf of this little girl, as well as any Provincial Sales Tax (PST) was owing to the Liberal Government! The Municipal Liberals would most likely insist this little girl was in business and thus did she pay for her business licence?
After all is said and done, the little girl would end up owing more money than she earned to the Liberal government instead.
Welcome to the Liberal Party
And just to clarify..when the author talks about paying into her medical plan. Most employers offer extended medical benefits. The premiums are often split between employee and employer. It is handled by private insurance companies, and covers things such as dental care, prescriptions, massage therapy, physio therapy, etc. You get the idea. Plans like this must be offered if the company is a certain size (not sure exactly how big)
2 of our parties are similar. Our primary Federal Parties are the Conservatives (they are in power right now) and in many way's resemble your Republican Party, again minus the religious aspects), The Liberal Party (similar to your Democratic Party, and the National Democratic Party (very pro-union, almost socialist in my opinion.) Then there are all kinds of little ones cropping up all the time. I am not a registered member of any of them, although I tend to vote Liberal most of the time. Politics here are not quite as intense as they are in the US. To tell you the truth, I don't see a whole lot of difference here from one Prime Minister to the next. I wish we would take more interest, but most don't really care that much. Although, like the US, the recession has made more stand up and take notice. We have been hit pretty hard as well and could use some serious reform. Our news has more about US politics then Canadian if you can believe it. I can name all the major players in the US political system without thinking too much about it. Canadian system? I don't even know the name of our Deputy Prime MInister or the name of our Prime Ministers wife. Our Prime Minister could be sleeping with anything in a skirt, and you would never hear about it I'm sure. You just never hear anything about any of them really.. Even election time is very quiet. In that way it is completely and totally different from your system and your elections. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the fact that we are not any sort of major super power. Still, some reform would be nice. Sometimes we Canadians are too laid back for our own good. Most are sort of "live and let live" about things. Your politics are way more interesting, so I tend to follow them far more closely.
Due date is the end of the month, I am 38 weeks now. But I have been having contractions for awhile now and just can't seem to get comfortable. He has dropped a fair amount and my OB says anytime now. I'm ready..lol. I am a bit old to be having my first baby, it was a very long road for my husband and I to have him. I can't wait to hold him (and in all honesty, I am ready to not be pregnant anymore...lol). We are absolutely over the moon...we had basically given up hope on becoming parents, although we are going to adopt at least one child.
Due date is the end of the month, I am 38 weeks now. But I have been having contractions for awhile now and just can't seem to get comfortable. He has dropped a fair amount and my OB says anytime now. I'm ready..lol. I am a bit old to be having my first baby, it was a very long road for my husband and I to have him. I can't wait to hold him (and in all honesty, I am ready to not be pregnant anymore...lol). We are absolutely over the moon...we had basically given up hope on becoming parents, although we are going to adopt at least one child.
Thank you. It really does sound like a good plan. We have the same problems here with fraud and abuse. I think it will be hard to completely rid any system of these, but like Canada we need to try.
So you have 3 main parties. Are they similar to our Democrat & Republican parties ? I'm registered Independent which I am punished for in the state of Fl as I can not vote in primary elections ( gotta work on changing that one).
I thought your due date was the end of the month. Are you trying to get a jump start on being a mom ? lol You must be sooooo excited.
So you have 3 main parties. Are they similar to our Democrat & Republican parties ? I'm registered Independent which I am punished for in the state of Fl as I can not vote in primary elections ( gotta work on changing that one).
I thought your due date was the end of the month. Are you trying to get a jump start on being a mom ? lol You must be sooooo excited.
Thanks for the good wishes. I wish he would make his appearance, I am getting very impatient..lol.
As for our Health Care System. Keep in mind that I have lived my entire life in Canada...born and raised, so I don't know anything different, but yes, I am very satisfied with it. I think if our gov't ever tried to take it away, there would be rioting!!
We do choose our own Dr.'s. If we are unhappy, we are free to change, no question about it. We don't pay anything and care is not limited in any way, shape or form. If our Dr. determines we require a test, hospitilization, surgery, whatever, we get it. There are no limits. If we need to go to the Emergency Room, we go. Again, no questions asked. Every single Canadian citizen receives this. We consider it a right.
Our taxes are probably higher. We pay app. 30-35% of our income to Federal Income Tax. Provincially it varies. The province I live in there are no taxes, so we only pay federal. (there are things like property tax though) This is what covers it. Some Provinces do pay provincial tax, it depends of course on that provinces debt load. I guess the idea is the money goes into a pool. Not everyone needs extensive medical care, so those that need more extensive treatment such as cancer patients, heart patients, etc. definately use more then someone like me who has never had a major illness. And of course, with taxes ,the wealthy pay more then the poor, so I guess in that way it is somewhat socialist.
There are certainly downfalls though. Everything is triaged if you will. So, in order to see a specialist for anything, I require a referral from my family Dr. I can't just call and make an appointment. You can wait a long time. It is not a first come, first serve, it is based on need. So, if I need to see a specialist for a life threatening condition, I will get in far earlier then someone who does not have a life threatening condition. Same situation at Emergency Rooms. A heart attack will be taken right away. A broken bone may wait several hours. You are triaged upon arrival. This can frustrate some, I am personally ok with it, it makes sense to me.
The upside is I never have to worry about my insurance being cancelled or told it was maxed out. I never have to worry about having to declare bankruptcy for high medical bills or making decision on whether or not to seek medical treatment. Other negatives are we do see a fair amount of fraud. People will come here and "buy" or steal a health card just to receive treatment, then return to their county of origin. These things cost the taxpayers a lot of money, although more safeguards are now being put in place to prevent it. There are also those that take advantage. They will go to the Emergency Room for the sniffles. This too costs a lot in wasting resources.
It isn't a perfect system by any stretch of the imagination, but it works for me and for everyone I know. I don't think I would want it to change, although like everything, there is certainly room for improvement. I can honestly say our Govt' does not in any way interfere in our medical. Everything is between Dr. and patient, it really is.
As for our political system, its not so different from yours with a few exceptions. We have a mulit party system, although there are really only 3 that have any sort of power. I wish they would limit it as pretty much anyone can start a party and run, and so we wind up with things like "The Green Party" etc. They certainly have a right, however it tends to just confuse things. Religion plays no part at all in our politics. I couldn't tell you what religion our Prime Minister is, no idea. And another big difference is that our Prime Ministers are not limited to how long they can stay in power. As long as they keep getting elected, they can stay. We have had Prime Ministers in power a very very long time. Again, there is good and bad that comes with that.
A really big difference that I have recently become aware of (for obvious reasons..lol) is the maternity leave system. We get a year, paid. Every working person pays into Unemployment Insurance. When a women goes on maternity leave, it is that insurance that pays us for our time off. It is not 100% of income though, it works out to about 60%. It works out to 12 weeks maternity leave, which only the birth mom can take to recover, then 40 weeks of parental leave, which either mom or dad can take, and also includes adoption. I honestly don't know how new parents give birth then head back to work in 6 weeks..Baby is not even sleeping through the night. It costs the employer nothing, but they are legally obligated to either give you back your old job, or an equivalent role. I have heard people say this must be a big stain on the employer, but it's not. There are lots of people looking for contract work, etc. especially in recession times like now, so it's usually pretty easy to fill the role. I am very grateful we have that.
That is sort of the Reader's Digest version, but I am happy to answer any questions you have. Really, in many ways, our countries are very similar. Very different in others. Thanks for asking. I love telling people how things work here. I often think if different countries got together and we all took the best each country has to offer, what a wonderful world this could be! Lol, there I go with that idealistic attitude again...ha.
As for our Health Care System. Keep in mind that I have lived my entire life in Canada...born and raised, so I don't know anything different, but yes, I am very satisfied with it. I think if our gov't ever tried to take it away, there would be rioting!!
We do choose our own Dr.'s. If we are unhappy, we are free to change, no question about it. We don't pay anything and care is not limited in any way, shape or form. If our Dr. determines we require a test, hospitilization, surgery, whatever, we get it. There are no limits. If we need to go to the Emergency Room, we go. Again, no questions asked. Every single Canadian citizen receives this. We consider it a right.
Our taxes are probably higher. We pay app. 30-35% of our income to Federal Income Tax. Provincially it varies. The province I live in there are no taxes, so we only pay federal. (there are things like property tax though) This is what covers it. Some Provinces do pay provincial tax, it depends of course on that provinces debt load. I guess the idea is the money goes into a pool. Not everyone needs extensive medical care, so those that need more extensive treatment such as cancer patients, heart patients, etc. definately use more then someone like me who has never had a major illness. And of course, with taxes ,the wealthy pay more then the poor, so I guess in that way it is somewhat socialist.
There are certainly downfalls though. Everything is triaged if you will. So, in order to see a specialist for anything, I require a referral from my family Dr. I can't just call and make an appointment. You can wait a long time. It is not a first come, first serve, it is based on need. So, if I need to see a specialist for a life threatening condition, I will get in far earlier then someone who does not have a life threatening condition. Same situation at Emergency Rooms. A heart attack will be taken right away. A broken bone may wait several hours. You are triaged upon arrival. This can frustrate some, I am personally ok with it, it makes sense to me.
The upside is I never have to worry about my insurance being cancelled or told it was maxed out. I never have to worry about having to declare bankruptcy for high medical bills or making decision on whether or not to seek medical treatment. Other negatives are we do see a fair amount of fraud. People will come here and "buy" or steal a health card just to receive treatment, then return to their county of origin. These things cost the taxpayers a lot of money, although more safeguards are now being put in place to prevent it. There are also those that take advantage. They will go to the Emergency Room for the sniffles. This too costs a lot in wasting resources.
It isn't a perfect system by any stretch of the imagination, but it works for me and for everyone I know. I don't think I would want it to change, although like everything, there is certainly room for improvement. I can honestly say our Govt' does not in any way interfere in our medical. Everything is between Dr. and patient, it really is.
As for our political system, its not so different from yours with a few exceptions. We have a mulit party system, although there are really only 3 that have any sort of power. I wish they would limit it as pretty much anyone can start a party and run, and so we wind up with things like "The Green Party" etc. They certainly have a right, however it tends to just confuse things. Religion plays no part at all in our politics. I couldn't tell you what religion our Prime Minister is, no idea. And another big difference is that our Prime Ministers are not limited to how long they can stay in power. As long as they keep getting elected, they can stay. We have had Prime Ministers in power a very very long time. Again, there is good and bad that comes with that.
A really big difference that I have recently become aware of (for obvious reasons..lol) is the maternity leave system. We get a year, paid. Every working person pays into Unemployment Insurance. When a women goes on maternity leave, it is that insurance that pays us for our time off. It is not 100% of income though, it works out to about 60%. It works out to 12 weeks maternity leave, which only the birth mom can take to recover, then 40 weeks of parental leave, which either mom or dad can take, and also includes adoption. I honestly don't know how new parents give birth then head back to work in 6 weeks..Baby is not even sleeping through the night. It costs the employer nothing, but they are legally obligated to either give you back your old job, or an equivalent role. I have heard people say this must be a big stain on the employer, but it's not. There are lots of people looking for contract work, etc. especially in recession times like now, so it's usually pretty easy to fill the role. I am very grateful we have that.
That is sort of the Reader's Digest version, but I am happy to answer any questions you have. Really, in many ways, our countries are very similar. Very different in others. Thanks for asking. I love telling people how things work here. I often think if different countries got together and we all took the best each country has to offer, what a wonderful world this could be! Lol, there I go with that idealistic attitude again...ha.
Your so right. The 2 party system is destroying this country.
I really enjoy reading your posts.
Congrat's on the little one on the way !
Can you tell us more about Canada's politics. The media always paints such a horrible picture of Canada's health-care. I have many Canadian customers. They all have told me they are very happy with the health-care they receive. Many own homes here in Fl. and won't become permanent residence so they can keep their health-care in Canada. I tend to believe my customers. Most have told me they are amazed that a great country like the US does not have public health-care. How do you feel about it ?
I really enjoy reading your posts.
Congrat's on the little one on the way !
Can you tell us more about Canada's politics. The media always paints such a horrible picture of Canada's health-care. I have many Canadian customers. They all have told me they are very happy with the health-care they receive. Many own homes here in Fl. and won't become permanent residence so they can keep their health-care in Canada. I tend to believe my customers. Most have told me they are amazed that a great country like the US does not have public health-care. How do you feel about it ?
No, I think it makes sense for it to work that way doesnt it. However the party powerplay always comes into play. Now after they are out of office, (ex clinton and bush), then yeah they become buds and work together for one cause. It would be nice if we could get party out of the way. I dont see a democracy working for much longer if this keeps up. We are getting nowhere fast. However, all 3 presidents are working together in the aide for Haiti! WOW! How special is that!
I just reread my comments....I do sound pretty idealistic don't I. I guess I am.....especially now that I am about to become a mother. I want my son to grow up in a safe and healthy world. One can only hope......
I also apologize if my comments seemed inappropriate for a non american. It's just that as the most powerful country in the world, decisions made there impact all of us...globally. So it's hard not to watch and form an opinion. My comments were not intended to be hurtful to anyone.
I also apologize if my comments seemed inappropriate for a non american. It's just that as the most powerful country in the world, decisions made there impact all of us...globally. So it's hard not to watch and form an opinion. My comments were not intended to be hurtful to anyone.
When I go back and read all of this, along with many other threads in this forum, it makes me want to ask.....why does it have to be one vs. the other. What I mean is this...in my opinion you have individuals from both parties who have a lot to offer your country. Again, I refer to my personal favorite in the Republican Party, John McCain. I have an incredible amount of respect for him. And, personally, I like your President. Both are far from perfect, I have no doubt. But it seems that instead of working together, you have an us vs. them situation going on. Both sides of the aisle are so determined to prove the other wrong, no one seems to be listening to each other. I know many in this forum really dislike each other and obviously strongly disagree on policy, but can you not agree that both parties have a lot to offer? Does it not frustrate you that they can't seem to agree on anything...and that it seems to be more on principal then the actual policy? Now, keep in mind that much of what I see is based on the media, and I fully recognize that that does not always paint an accurate picture. This is simply the impression I get from watching some of the debates, and well, frankly, what I see happening in this group. I just really think you have some incredibly intelligent and talented politicians, and that they are not necessarily unique to one party or the other. Can you imagine what they could accomplish if they were able to really start working together.
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