is the best option.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper appears to be backing away from a confrontation with Alberta over its Third Way health proposals. When the provincial discussion paper came out, Harper sounded tough, reiterating his commitment to the Canada Health Act, and promising a quick assessment of whether Alberta's plan would be in compliance with the federal law.The Alberta paper envisions doctors doing dual service in the public and private systems, and would allow queue-jumping by patients who pay fees.
"We will, in the course of I would hope the next few days, issue a full response to that (Third Way) report," Harper said on March 1.
But it now seems Ottawa will reserve its opinion until Premier Ralph Klein finishes a one-month consultation within his province and tables legislation.
Gord Hough, a policy adviser to Health Minister Tony Clement, suggested that any federal comment now would be premature.
And when you are dealing with Premier Klein the waiting game can be your best play.
