‘Canadianism,’ the Welfare State, and policy growth: Assessing the role of identity on the healthcare privatization discourse in Canada

Abstract

This paper will explore Canadianism and its relationship to Universal healthcare. Canadianism, a term derived for the purpose of this text, is used to conceptualize an ‘Idea’ born out of Canadian identity and Economic Nationalism during commonwealth movements of the later 20^th century. The Idea is studied to understand how Canadian civil society favors Universal systems, particularly in this paper healthcare, over private initiative. This paper will assess the roots of the privatization debate and argue the rivalrous nature between Canadianism and New Public Management [NPM]. A key deliberation will be had on the significant role that ethics plays in Canadianism, and how this had success in limiting the influence of NPM on Healthcare. This paper will also examine a current ‘privatization’ case, Bill C-60, and its potential threat to Keynesian Economics’ opportunity-for-all approach to healthcare. A second key deliberation will be had on the concept of ‘Trust,’ how it informs Canadianism and why this makes Bill C-60’s discourse convoluted. Conclusively, a discussion will be had on the issues with Canadianism in healthcare discourse through considering semantics and policy growth. The limits of Canadianism will be briefly highlighted. This paper finds that Canadian is essential to comprehend when considering why healthcare reform in Canada is difficult to manage.