A few days ago, words were exchanged here in comments about Ralph Klein's contribution to Canadian conservatism. I said Klein had made a real contribution, but mainly toward the beginning of his tenure as Alberta Premier. My point, which still stands, is that Klein has spent too much time over the last decade coasting and managing while failing to use the opportunity he's had to try and innovate and move conservatism ahead.
A good illustration of innovating and moving conservatism forward is the case of pro-freedom hero Jacques Chaoulli -- let's call him the anti-Klein. Not only does the Quebec doctor win a landmark Surpreme Court decision on healthcare -- effectively opening up the state-run system to private alternatives -- he is now pushing for more:
"I would like that Quebecers have the best value for the public money they spend," Chaoulli said. He said the best way would be to allow more private medicine, including:
- Allowing doctors to work in both the public and private systems, such as at a public hospital and a private clinic, rather than one or the other.
- Privatizing medical schools and hospitals.
- Loosening legal restrictions that limit private insurance.
The ideas were outlined in a 40-page document Chaoulli submitted to a provincial government commission looking into health reforms.
Klein: rests on laurels. Chaoulli: keeps pushing. Good on him.
