Damn, Malacasta beat me to the GDP growth rebuttal. I was even pulling my numbers from the CIA world handbook to be sure!

I guess I'll just have to point out the ridiculousness of the "some bureaucrat dictating to your doctor what type of treatment you receive" routine.

Canadian bureaucrats can no more do this than American insurance companies do. What both can do is refuse to fund a treatment. You seem to be suggesting that if you need a treatment that your insurance company won't pay for, you can shop for another insurance company that will. I find this EXTREMELY unlikely. Private insurance companies are notorious for rejecting anybody that they think -might- need treatment down the road. They will almost certainly reject anybody they -know- will need treatment right away. The Canadian government doesn't reject anybody, no matter what their medical history or current medical condition.

Now, some would rather have a private company making these decisions than the Government. It's an issue of deciding who you can trust more. The way I see it, the Canadian government has a mandate to serve the Canadian people. A private insurance company has a mandate to make as much money as possible, just like any other business. To me, that's an easy choice. Now, if I had to choose between the American government and a private insurance company, it would be a MUCH harder decision and I understand why many Americans fear/hate the idea.