The uncertain state of the law regarding health care and section 15 of the charter.

Access to a system of universal, publicly funded health care is often described as a fundamental value for Canadians. Indeed, in its recent report, the Romanow Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada stated Canadians believe access to medically necessary health care services is a “right of citizenship.” As medical sciences advance and public expectations for health care services grow, governments will undoubtedly face demands to fund an increasing array of services. However, public resources for health care are finite, so it is inevitable governments will not fund all conceivable treatments or therapies, even if those services may offer some benefit to some people.