Keep our MSP & Pharmacare programs under public control

To the honourable Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia in Legislature assembled. The petition of the undersigned states that

Whereas the Campbell government's plan to privatize both the Medical Services Plan (MSP) and Pharmacare systems puts in jeopardy:

* Our right to the absolute security and confidentiality of our personal medical information through the public control of MSP and Pharmacare;
* Our right to a public not-for-profit health care system as granted to us under the Canada Health Act; and
* Our sovereign right to a public not-for-profit health care system protected from the negative trade implications of NAFTA and other international trade agreements;

And, whereas the Medical Services Plan and Pharmacare programs serviced by experienced public government workers form the secure gateway for British Columbia to our public health care system;

Whereas the provincial government should be safeguarding the future of new generations of British Columbians by strengthening and investing in our public health care system;

Therefore your petitioners respectfully request that the Honourable House reverse the privatization of the Medical Services Plan and Pharmacare and maintain public control of this vital gateway to our public health care system; and

Further your petitioners respectfully request that the Honourable House provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to ensure that it meets the principles of the Canada Health Act of a universal, accessible, portable, comprehensive and publicly-administered health care system.