Does Canada have two-tier health care?

The concept of a two-tier health care system is an emotionally charged subject that will be the focus of much discussion over the next year. In August, the Canadian Medical Association's Annual General Council discussed the issue at length and approved a resolution to lead a national debate on the role of regulated private insurance for medical services. A number of physicians, politicians and other decision makers argue that two-tier health care already exists and that greater privatization is required. Is this really the case? Nurses can have a major impact on the level of discussion in this debate by helping to inform the public and others on the real issues involved.