Opposition from Ontario
Even Ontario objected to federal intrusion in health services. John Robarts, the new leader of the provincial Progressive Conservatives, represented a London, Ontario constituency that contained many of the nation’s leading insurance companies. He supported their campaign to have existing prepaid plans form the basis of a national scheme. Recognizing that not all Ontarians could afford coverage, however, his government created the Ontario Medical Services Insurance Plan (OMSIP)to provide for their needs, as well as to extend coverage for other citizens. Although NDP critics in the Ontario legislature labelled this plan “OMSIPID” and the Ontario Liberals condemned it as “Robartscare,” the program did receive support from the OMA. The combination of provincial subsidies for the poor and private insurance for those who could afford it nevertheless left many Canadians vulnerable to catastrophic costs for medical services and hence very interested in a national plan. The Hall Commission had offered an option. What would the provinces require in such a plan?
The made-for-Ontario insurance plan that provided assistance for people who had little or no taxable income. Everyone else bought private insurance from a wide range of companies.
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, University of Toronto, Associated Medical Services Inc. Fonds 152, Box 48, File 387, 1966
Transcription:
Ontario Medical Services Insurance Plan
OMSIP ... what it means, and what it can do for you
Dating from around 1965, Duncan Macpherson’s response to Ontario’s plan was inspired by John Tenniel’s illustration of the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Premier Robarts, wearing the “insurance industry” hat, helps Dr. Matthew Dymond’s March Hare (the “medical profession”) stuff the “everyman” character into the teapot/plan.
Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1987-38-752, e008440946. © Estate of Duncan Macpherson.
