Bill 33 is the Quebec Government’s private health care law.  It regulates some 50 types of surgeries, such as cosmetic operations like hair transplants and breast augmentations.  Regulations allowing for the establishment of private surgical clinics were to come into effect on Monday, January 12, 2009.  However the new provisions have been postponed until September 30, 2009.  Quebec’s largest unions, led by CSN President Claudette Charbonneau, have been trying to get Bill 33 overturned as they believe it violates the Health and Social Service Act and creates two-tiered health care.  Health Minister Yves Bolduc says that he is open to meeting with union leaders and making “some changes” to the law.  However, the government will not repeal Bill 33.

Hello Everyone!  I realize that it has been some time since I left a post.  However my New Year’s Resolution is to keep my blog up-to-date.  Next week I will be posting on my new life as a part-time student at McGill.  In the meantime, good health to all! Lesley F.