Groups take legal action to get Ottawa to enforce Canada Health Act in Quebec

MONTREAL – Various health groups are getting involved in legal action aimed at making sure the federal government enforces the Canada Health Act in Quebec.

READ MORE: Quebec health minister suggests ‘extra’ medical fees come out of doctor salaries

The plaintiffs are represented by Jean-Pierre Menard, a well-known Quebec lawyer.

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The Canada Health Act specifies criteria for provincial health insurance plans to receive federal transfer payments.

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Menard has filed a petition in federal court asking it to issue a writ to order the federal health minister to apply the act in Quebec to counter provincial legislation.

The plaintiffs said the Quebec government instituted two-tier medicine last November when it passed Bill 20, which they argue violates the health act by permitting and regulating add-on fees.

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They argued this type of legal action for a matter pertaining to the federal health legislation has never been attempted before.