It's just so wrong

A very heartwarming story in the paper today. A couple, both 41, have discovered they have cancer. Just days apart.

While she awaited a biopsy result, he had a colonoscopy which identified inoperable cancer and then her result indicated cancer too. Both face a ton of treatement including surgery as well, for her. He has a likely two years to live, her prognosis is not stated.

They have kids of 6, 10 and 12. It's terrible.

Someone decides to raise funds for them and it's very moving reading of some of the donations. Over $60,000 has already been raised and the money, initially declined, may be needed for any number of things. Loss of earnings when having treatment; costs of attending hospital if some distance involved, perhaps out of province; prescription drugs - even if they have a good plan, co-payments will mount up. This is Canada and drugs cost a lot.

It really does portray people in a good light.

But then I remember where I come from and, despite all the cuts made by UK governments, all this is taken care of back in Britain for people in their position.

Canadians are very caring and all that. But why the fuck are they not putting these efforts into getting their government to take care of the people properly?

In terms of treatment within hospital and it being free at the point of service with nobody worrying about paying for it, it's on a par with the UK. That must have been fought for once upon a time. I can't imagine government just did it out of generosity.

Canadians are always complaining about "their tax dollars" and tax gouges, yet they are rightly proud of Medicare. But why does that not extend to enabling full treatment and the necessary safety nets to prevent hardship?