What do you think about health care and education in Canada?

United States
July 26, 2007 8:48am CST
I am under the impression, residents get free health care, and a free college education. Is it true?
2 responses
@oldiebut (859)
• Canada
26 Jul 07
Nope I am afraid not, well not completely. We do receive healthcare but the cost can vary from province to province. Some have user fees or a monthly charge for health care premiums, some have no extra charge. In all cases it is far cheaper than a privatized system, it is unlikely you would pay more than 1000 dollars a year for family coverage. This does not include dental, eyecare or prescriptions. College is definitely not free but once again it is much cheaper than the US is. There is serious government support for universities in Canada and they are restricted as to what they can charge for tutition. My BA, taken from 2000-2004 cost about 10,000 in total books and fees. there is a liberal loan system in place and many incentive programs for high school graduates (recent that is, an old fart like me gets nothing).
• United States
26 Jul 07
Excellent. Thanks for the info
• Canada
19 Sep 07
In my province, health care is free. Although you still need to pay for some medicines, dental care, and some eye care. Schooling is free until grade 12 in our province. After that if you choose to attend college or university, then you have to pay for it. Although it is subsidized by the government. My 4 year degree ('97-'01) cost around $20,000. Of course while we don't get directly billed for health care and grade schooling, it's basically covered by the taxes that we pay. So indirectly, we're still contributing to the medical and educational system that we all use.