Editor,
As Canadians, we pride ourselves on living in a compassionate society where fairness, dignity, and equity are foundational principles. However, our private insurance system undermines these values by allowing companies to decline claims, provide inadequate coverage, and impose prohibitive premiums that deny many the protection they need. It is time for our government to legislate reforms that ensure no private insurer can deny claims, mandate full coverage of costs, and guarantee affordable premiums for all.
Private insurance companies, driven by profit rather than public good, currently wield the power to deny claims based on vague or exclusionary criteria. This practice leaves individuals and families stranded, often during moments of acute crisis when support is needed most. Denied claims force many to exhaust savings, face crippling debt, or forgo necessary medical treatments or repairs altogether 鈥� circumstances that are both preventable and unjust.
Mandating 100 per cent coverage for claims is not just a matter of fairness 鈥� it is a moral imperative. Comprehensive coverage eliminates financial barriers and ensures that everyone, regardless of income, can access essential services such as healthcare, medications, or property repair without enduring financial ruin. Such a system aligns with our broader social values and reinforces the collective responsibility we share to protect one another.
Additionally, everyone who seeks insurance must be eligible for coverage at affordable premiums. Current premium structures often exclude vulnerable populations, such as seniors, individuals with pre-existing conditions, or those in lower-income brackets, leaving them disproportionately unprotected. Ensuring affordability and universal eligibility guarantees that all Canadians have equal access to the safety net insurance promises.
Critics may argue that these reforms would drive up costs for insurers, but they overlook the social and economic benefits. Universal claim acceptance and affordable coverage reduce reliance on public systems to address gaps left by denied claims, prevent poverty, and promote economic stability. Furthermore, the reforms could stimulate competition among insurers to provide high-quality services while maintaining efficiency.
Legislating these changes would cement our commitment to an equitable society where no one is left behind. We urge the government to prioritize this issue and enact regulations that reflect the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and security. Private insurance must serve the public good, not perpetuate inequality.
Sincerely,
Alex Sangha, Delta
