Oct. 9, 2011
To whom it may concern:

An opinion column by Claude McIntosh that appeared in the Cornwall Standard Freeholder regarding an all-candidates debate (Sept. 29, 2011) at the Cornwall Civic Complex has caused our executive members, the party, and the candidate great distress.

The story appears to imply that Darcy Neal Donnelly, the Candidate for the Ontario Libertarian Party in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, suggested that frail elderly patients in nursing homes be “terminated” to alleviate the shortage in nursing home bed space. That is not what he said, though that is what the commentator, Mr. McIntosh suggests: (http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3317471). His comments were redistributed by other sources as follows: (http://www.torontosun.com/2011/09/30/candidate-calls-long-term-patients-...), (http://diablogue.org/tag/darcy-neal-donnelly/)

In the heat of that debate, the other candidates attacked Mr. Donnelly’s comments. Mr. Donnelly apologized at the meeting and later, (http://www.ourhometown.ca/news/NL0575.php) for any misunderstanding, his comments may have created, but the story has raised concerns about the Libertarian Platform on health care issues.

First, at no time has the Ontario Libertarian Party ever suggested that frail and elderly patients or anyone else be “terminated.” Libertarians believe that Canadians and their families should be free to choose from a variety of health care options that best to cater to their individual needs. These options should be varied enough to provide different levels of service, different providers, and competitive prices, in all aspects of health care as exists in any other service areas. Many of these needs can be satisfied by private insurance policies that individuals subscribe to. Libertarians believe the service of health care should be treated as any other service in our society. The food industry, the clothing and shelter industries offer tremendous variety and choice, timely service, and competitive rates with very limited government interference. This does not exist for Ontarians in health care. Unfortunately, in Canada and Ontario, governments and their medical practitioner partners, have assumed responsibility for virtually all forms of health care. The monopoly thus created, excludes, or impedes any possibility of timely service and the variety of choices that Canadians deserve.

The Libertarian Platform would allow a competitive health care service to operate in Ontario, which is currently against the law. There is some competition allowed in the long term care of the elderly in Ontario. But the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care controls the prices that may be charged, and effectively limits the supply of this care, without regard for the demand. The demand is great and growing. We believe that the frail and elderly should not have their care restricted or rationed as is currently the case and the reason for the original question during the all-candidates debate. Many elderly Ontarians or their families can afford better and timely care in their remaining years, yet the rationing created by the government monopoly aggravates the problem. We believe that’s wrong.

Libertarians believe all Ontarians, young and old, should have access to better, faster, health care that can only be provided when people are free to choose.

Sincerely,
Ontario Libertarian Party