Public healthcare under threat, advocates rally for federal action

Rallies were held outside of Liberal MP offices across the country - including London- demanding the feds enforce the Canada Health Act.

Advocates are intensifying pressure on the federal government to halt what they describe as a “continued erosion of public health care,” rallying at a local MP’s office to demand stronger protections for Canada’s universal system.

Approximately 50 individuals participated in a London Health Coalition demonstration outside the constituency office of London West MP Arielle Kayabaga on Monday. Organizers declared it part of a nationwide “Day of Action for Public Healthcare.”

The coalition voiced significant concerns over legislative changes in Alberta and Ontario, warning that these moves could pave the way for a two-tier health system. Peter Bergmanis, Co-Chair of the London Health Coalition, told attendees that “now, in 2026, this could be the last stand of universal public healthcare as we know it.”

Specifically, organizers highlighted Alberta’s Bill 11, now enacted as the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2). They argue this legislation, introduced by Premier Danielle Smith’s UCP government, will compel patients to pay out-of-pocket for medically necessary services that should be covered by the public system.

This, they contend, creates a “two-tier system” and moves the province towards an “American-style, for-profit model of healthcare.”

Similar concerns were raised regarding steps in Ontario that critics argue will shift more healthcare services to private clinics. Bergmanis, speaking to CTV News, appealed to Liberal MPs questioning their inaction.

“We are coming to our MPs who are Liberal and saying, well, are you not going to stand up for this? It’s been too long, too silent and the government needs to step in and be the cop that it’s supposed to be,” he stated.

He emphasized the need for the federal government to implement measures, such as the ability to “claw back dollar-for-dollar any private charges patients are being forced to pay for medically necessary care.”

The coalition stresses that such provincial legislation poses a risk to public healthcare nationwide by setting a “dangerous precedent.” They insist that Prime Minister Mark Carney and Health Minister Marjorie Michel must publicly condemn these developments, defend the public system, and compel Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to reverse course.

Enforcement of the Canada Health Act is seen as crucial to safeguard universal access.