Medicare In Canada

The Progress of Canada in the Realm of Human Rights

All of humanity has one true factor in common, the claim to be treated within the respectful parameters of their human rights. Human rights can be defined as the rights in which one is entitled to due being human and entail the preservation of one's respect, dignity, equality, and freedom. In the history of Canada, there are many moments in which the government and its people act in protection of these rights. The establishment of Medicare in Saskatchewan as an example took place on July 1st, 1962 and marked the start of Canada's free healthcare reputation. The provincial government at the time, Co-operative Commonwealth Federation or the CCF party under the leadership of T.C. Douglas,

With the enactment of Medicare, aspects of plutocracy or elitism based on wealth are diminished as the idea of equality arise. A Toronto Star article with the headline "Even Doctors Must Pay Medicare Fee" published at the time of the enactment outlined that all citizens were to pay the mandatory $12 for single insurance or $24 for a family package with an additional emphasis that doctors are also subjected to these same fees as those of normal citizens (Bryant 2). The strategy of the newspaper article addresses the specific public concern of whether equality, an example of the many human rights one is entitled to, is preserved. The Medicare Act allowed for Canada to solidify the proper standards of living of all of its citizens. Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provided by the United Nations states, "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control"

Canada is a predominantly Caucasian country that is associated with traditional light-skinned European cultures, however, the intention of the Multiculturalism Act is to promote and recognize the various cultures of those who make up the identity of Canada. Apart of the policy is to "recognize and promote the understanding that multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of the Canadian heritage and identity and that it provides an invaluable resource in the shaping of Canada's future" (Branch 14). With this policy, no specific community is recognized for their origins, but by the contributions made to the society of Canada or that are hoped to be made in the future. Those apart of these communities are granted a higher sense of equality, dignity, and respect, fundamental human rights, within the Canadian community because their specific background is to be held to the same regard as the majoring French and English cultures. With the promotion of the Multiculturalism Act in Canada brought new found exposure to other ethnic backgrounds within Canada. A section of the Multiculturalism Act is to "foster the recognition and appreciation of the diverse cultures of Canadian society and promote the reflection