[rintense]

The Canadians are taxed at %15 to help cover the cost of healthcare. A large scale revolt would happen in the US if that ever happened here. Drugs may be a bit cheaper, but from what I understand from friends who are Canadian, trying to get a doctor's appointment, let alone one with a sepcialist, is worse than the US HMO system. Again, this is coming from a Canadian friend.

[Snowyman]

The Canadians are taxed at %15 to help cover the cost of health care.

We are?

Each province administers it's own health care but it is regulated by the federal Canada Health Act. Ontario has a payroll tax, paid by the employer , on a payroll of over 400,000 @1.9%. (Under $400,000 @ 0%).

I'd suggest your friend get a different doctor. I can see mine simply by making an appointment . And when I see him will depend on the reason. Today if necessary. I have a friend who made an appointment week before last, saw his doctor on last Tuesday, and has an appointment for a MRI on June 9th. Maybe that's slow by private standards ,I don't know.