We need to keep aware of health care issues in this country. No, it's not a perfect system, but this doc really points out why universal health care is important: not only for you as an individual, but for our society. We're all in this together, folks.

i thought michael moore was a moron afterseeing the the show to night i now he cares for his country

Well Michael, I enjoyed the movie, but I find myself doubting if I can actually trust everything you say. there were some great points, but I get the sensation that you have a strong bias of your own.

Michael Moore did an excellent job document this film, it goes to show that America's Health Care's system only works for the well off. It's geared toward's profit since getting the Blessings from Nixon and the greed from those in charge is unquenchable. It's time for change and time to put people and lives first and not PROFIT as it is now.

Honestly, wouldn't you want your country to have a lifestyle like France?!

I don't understand the arrogance of the U.S. they make out that they are right and the rest of the world is wrong. When the Republicans stand up I get sick listening to them whine about everything. I think if they let Barack Obama be the President the country would be better off. They are a joke to the world except for Micheal Moore who seems to be the only one with interest on what happens to that country. Excellent work Mr. Moore

GOD BLESS MICHAEL MOORE!

My girlfriend and I just finished watching the show and we shake our heads at the arrogance of the American people who still believe that th USA is the greatest country to live in. Maybe those people never get sick. I think more Americans need to see this documentary and I am going to do what I can to get it on my Facebook... Knowledge, not money, is power.

This movie makes me so proud to be Canadian. This is what scares me about Harper & his conservatives. Free not-for-profit universal health care forever!

I find it unbelievable that the USA has let greed take over their mentality. Those poor 9-11 volunteers have to suffer like that is a black eye their government will never live down. It is time to take to the street's like the French do.

Why do we not see American outrage after seeing this film?? Such a sad Country to live in!! The very people who terrorized your Country, receive better medical treatment!!! Do you not find something seriously wrong with this?? Why are Americans paying $120 for an inhaler that can be bought for $0.05,?? Why is the American gov't killing the very people that put them where they are? The very people they are meant to protect!!! Do you live in the land of dreams, or the land of death??

What is wrong with the republicans? Their idiology blinds them to what is important. They have mental problems, that don't allow them to think straight. Like a zeolot who has to be ordered to save their daughter by giving her a life saving blood transfusion. Cuba doesn't need are help as bad as the Americans do.
It is difficult to help someone who doesn't think there is a problem.

The thing that is the sadest about improving American health care is that they have the money to do it. How many heart by-passes could they do for the cost of one nuclear aircraft carrier? How many hip joints could they replace for the cost of one Stealth bomber? How many broken arms could they set for the cost of one Cruise missle? How many pregnant mothers could have pre birth check ups for the cost of one tank? Americans need to learn that preventative health care saves money down the road. It's sad that only those with health care now oppose universal health care in the US. Not one single uninsured American thinks it's a bad idea.

I totally understand that Michael Moore takes literary license with his productions, however it is very easy to see past that and it is beyond me how the average American can support a party such as the Republicans who are doing everything possible to block health care reform, again. Not one Canadian citizen has gone bankrupt or lost their home because someone in their family became ill. Is that not enough reason to question what is going on in the US? Is Canada's system perfect? No. But is it millions of times better than the American one? Yes.

The thing that is the sadest about improving American health care is that they have the money to do it. How many heart by-passes could they do for the cost of one nuclear aircraft carrier? How many hip joints could they replace for the cost of one Stealth bomber? How many broken arms could they set for the cost of one Cruise missle? How many pregnant mothers could have pre birth check ups for the cost of one tank? Americans need to learn that preventative health care saves money down the road. It's sad that only those with health care now oppose universal health care in the US. Not one single uninsured American thinks it's a bad idea.

Well, seems like the good old US is still bauking at the real option of the public health insurance option.

Right now the Baukas bill is simply instituting "health INSURANCE reform" rather than true "health reform". Although a simple statement, they have truely different outcomes/meanings.

The insurance companies are still winning the battle, oh along with the support of the ignorant "tea party" republicans. I never understood people who vote or support positions against their own good - I guess they all think they're rich and will be immune to the impending bill they'll recieve. See you in bankruptcy in 25 years.

As a Canadian, I really don't care anymore about hearing about their healthcare problems. If the average american can't see beyond the tip of their nose and never think they're getting sick - but when they do they go bankrupt - too bad for them! They made their bed, now let them lay in it.

One thing is for sure, as Canadians, this should be a big wake up call for any attempts to entrench a separate private system in Canada (down with any Alberta attempts - stay away, stay very away). We don't need to follow anything the US does in terms of healthcare, they have it WRONG, DEAD WRONG.

Lets keep the fingers crossed and hope that Obama and the Democrats, which have a majority, can exert their backbone and actually bring about something good for American citizens. In the meantime, I'll hold my healthcare as my most important factor in my vote.

Wow!...what a great documentary! More and more Canadians are getting fed up with the legalized robbery and injustices going on in the government and elsewhere in Canada. As a middle-aged single woman who worked in health care for years and then suffered a horrible MVA, I have seen both sides of the fence. There is lots of money for people, it is just not allocated properly. We are top heavy with government organizations who employ themselves and do little and who get huge salaries, severances, etc. The real necessary work is done by people who get less pay and also volunteers who get none. Canada is not so wonderful.....For every dollar of the taxpayers money, the person it is supposed to go to may get $1.00 or .50. My friend who had a traumatic brain injury in a car accident had foot surgery and got a foot infection because the people who visited him and, yes, were paid for the visits did nothing (did not change his dressing). Because of this, he had to go to the hospital and get anitbiotics everyday riding his scooter--by the way, he's legally blind. They gave him a piece of paper that said he shouldn't operate a vehicle because they gave him morphine--but they still let him go!! Would they have cared if he had died in an accident?? Of course not! What's lacking in our country is kindness and caring for our fellow man. The word "service" no longer exists. It's all about how much money you can make; but everything we do eventually touches everyone including ourselves.

This movie makes me feel like we could push our government to do so much more.

I hope every US citizen has watched this documentary.
For months and months now, we hear "unti-health care" Americans throwing mud on Canadian Halth Care that we all are so proud of , although it is not the best and certainly not perfect.
I praise Michael Moor for his courage to come forward in a humble way and criticise their currupt health care.

Incredible documentary. I wonder if it will ever show in the U.S.? A health system could be financed by the wasted premiums the parasitic insurance companies collect, no problem, without ever raising taxes. Will the people continue to tolerate the mafia like system they have now, or will they rise up once they learn the ugly truth? I pity them. More power to Michael Moore, a true American hero.

After watching this movie I am even more proud to be a Canadian. It defies logic that a country so wealthy and powerful can treat it's citizens with such disregard for humanity. It is upsetting to see people needing to get treated in Cuba or a Mother losing her child because she had picked the wrong hospital that was not covered by her health care provider.
The message is loud and clear, until a country supplies it's citizens with quality health care their life spans will always suffer.

Our health care may be more affordable than that of the US but it is hardly the utopia depicted in this documentary. My mother had a stroke 3 years ago and was left on a gurney in emergency for 40 hours...there was no doctor in sight and she was not seen by one for several hours after her arrival. Her headache which was excruciating, was ignored and the staff tried their best to avoid eye contact in the LaSalle Hospital emergency room in Montreal. There isn't enough room on this page to descrbe the blunders, poor care and lack of accountability that I witnessed and that has me very scared should I ever need to go to a hospital here..
I myself have suffered with back pain for years and had been unable to get any real help from the healthcare system. I am now free of pain after going to the Spinal Relief Clinic in Toronto...it did cost me close to 2000 dollars but was worth every penny. It is too bad my "free health care" doctor did not take the time to direct me to someone who could help...I had to figure that one out myself. My doctor recently told me he does not check any results of tests I take unless I call in and make an appointment!!!

After seeing how Michael Moore sugar coats our emergency rooms, I just wonder how much I can believe of his depiction of the insurance companies in the US.

Thank you , Michael Moore for enlighting alot of people on the health care systems around the world. I was astounded by the health care provided by the Hospitals in Cuba. The Hospital staff were out of this world, providing care. That is what human life is all about . Awesome. I am Canadian and proud of it. Born and raised in Canada, we have one of the best Health Care systems in the world. Not like others, I feel sorry for. I would travel to Cuba , France or England, anyday knowing this. Thank you to all the staff, Doctor"s, Nurses in Cuba for assisting the 9/11 rescue workers with thier medical conditions at no cost. These are the Hero"s that took part in rescue operations. During 9/11, I was a Bush Pilot flying in the Northwest Territories, Canada. All I seen on the television was how important it was to search for survivors. Thanks to all the rescuers. Good health to all of you.

I really enjoyed watching this documentary. Definitely an eye opener. Makes me that much more glad for the universal healthcare system we Canadians are so blessed to have. Sure we complain about wait times etc. but it's nothing like how it's exploited in the US media where they allege we wait up to a year for cancer treatments, MRI's, heart bypass surgeries, etc. - I know TONS of peopel who have undergone those procedures and more, and I don't know a single person who in need of those procedures, had to wait 10 months or a year, like the US media wants US citizens to believe. Perhaps in the far reaches of rural Canada where there are less medical facilities available within a few minutes drive that may be the case but in urban centres like Toronto where I live or in Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, etc. as far as I know, it's certainly not the case.

I recently traveled to the Dominican Republic and stayed on a resort amongst countless Americans who all wanted to know about the Canadian healthcare system and what we think, how we feel, etc. with all that is going on in the US with the latest healthcare debates, Obama's agenda, etc. They were all surprised to hear that we are for the most part quite pleased with our system and wouldn't trade it for the US one for the world. Their media is filled with lies and tells them the complete opposite. Of course we Canadians complain about our system but I don't know any Canadian who would trade our system for theirs. We may be biased but all I hear are complaints from my American family and friends about their system. They're being shortchanged and they know it. They want change. Even the wealthy want change. And after watching Sicko, it's no wonder why.

Bravo Michael !

It's been far too long since the US & unfortunately, the Canadian Government have lead with moral values & what is right. Perhaps they need a reminder.

Moral = Webster's Dictionary defines "moral" as: Relating to, dealing with, or capable of making the distinction between right or wrong conduct -- Principles, standards habits with respect to right or wrong in conduct.

Values = Webster's Dictionary defines "values" as: The social principles, goals or standards held or accepted by an individual, a class, a society, etc.

Right = Webster's Dictionary defines "right" as: In accordance with fact, reason, justice, law, and morality; correct in thought and action; Synonyms for right include: correct, honest, ethical, just, true, accurate, precise, suitable, fitting, appropriate, proper.

This coupled with wisdom & intellegence, we will all become much healthier in every way. Mind, body & spirit.

I can't understand why Americans are still bucking Obama's health care reforms. It doesn't make sense. What is with the world?

I saw this movie in the theatre in Calgary when it first came out, and it still has a massive impact. Mike really shows that the American system is broken, run by greedy corporations, and CEO's who don't give a rats butt about heath care.

Canada had best be careful, because we may be on the same path... and if we do... may the ghost of Tommy Douglas haunt us forever!

Timely airing, with Obama trying to get health care going in the US, and getting so much flack. What do Americans think of this movie? Or have they made it impossible for any of them to see it?
Thankful to be Canadian. Thanks Tommy Douglas

I have never felt such a combination of sadness, anger and shock as I have from watching this movie. There's nothing I could say that Michael Moore has not said perfectly already. It's scary that people still exist in this day and age that have the ability to ignore the rest of the world around them and focus solely on their own individual lives. God help the United States.

Having to be approved by a moderator hardly feels in the Canadian spirit of free speech. Take the comments you agree with and the comments you disagree with or take no comments at all.

One of the side issues touched in the film was education. Why doesn't Canada pay for post secondary education? Debt is one of the most pressing issues among Canadians and the burden seems to begin almost immediately. I guess because if they did, we might be more inclined to "step out of line".

I was quite moved by the film. It's every bit important for Canadians as it is for Americans, as it shows the flaws of privatized health care. It is true that it seems that there's a profit to be had with death, and it disgusts me. I was surprised however about the sick people who essentially were dumped at a mission or county hospital because their insurance wouldn't cut it. How is it something like this isn't head of in the news? Or maybe I missed it. The point is, if its true, its horrible. We have to do what we can to keep our health care system from turning into that.

this doc made me cry. i'm so lucky to live in Canada!

Despite Moore's propensity for exaggeration and movie star flare, he certainly sets the record straight as to the many number of countries that have a superior health care system as compared to the States. That is why it is so difficult to see why Republicans look on to Obama's plan to "socialize" health care in the States as a Democratic scam.

This documentary made me cry - where is the caring for your fellow human being. To see an elderly woman dumped on the street because she can't pay is heart-breaking. I think it is important to remember that while our system isn't perfect it is based on a fundamental value that Americans just don't seem to share.

Great movie. It may be exaggerated and sensationalized to make it look “real” but the essence still remains, citizens have a lot of power if they engage themselves in building these institutions. Therefore, we as Canadians should not sit back and let our political leaders blindfold us and ruin our social safety net which includes health, education and many other things. Send a copy to your MP and MPP to remind him that is not what you would like to see in Canada.

The pity I feel for the US citizens, has no bounds, and I am so thankful to be Canadian.
The issues with regards to health care should be a sharp, hard slap in the face to those in governing positions. That being said there are certainly issues that we Canadians need to question.
Turn-style Walk-In Clinics. Came in because there weren't enough Doctors to go around. I can only assume that they are paid by piece work, get them in and out and as quickly as possible, with a perscription in their hand. My family Dr now has a clinic, and as someone said, he won't even talk to me about test results unless I make an appointment, nor can I talk to him about more than one topic regarding my health. His words "not how the game is played" I believe this system makes our physicians greedy, and we need to look into this process. I'm looking for a new Dr.
Child Care is the other point that was touched on in the film. I'm so glad my children are gown up and gone. The stories I listen to daily regarding child care for working parents are so stressful. If there aren't grandparents to help, most young parents struggle to survive. Day cares don't want sick kids, a lot of employers have no family care days. If a parent has to miss a day of work to care for a little one, they make not make the rent.
We Must find a better way to support our young
families. It's no wonder our population must be bolstered by immigration, our own people can't afford babies.
Mr Harper send someone to Britian and France and get details on how their systems work. Then for the sake of us, do something about it !!

This is a film that I encourage all the United States citizens to see. I have never seen such a wonderful piece of work based on facts. Almost all USA allies practice universal health care system, but their politician use a socialist propagandas to cover up thier egos and scare the public.

It would appear that Americans, being constantly lied to and dumbed-down by the media, on the whole, haven't a clue

the way the rest of the world works . Last evening's poignant documentary moved me to tears. The final segment

showed the 9/11 Ground Zero volunteers, who, spurned by their own government's shameful handling, receiving the

medical attention they deserved by Cuban doctors. Then to be honored by Cuban fire fighters, for their heroics was

humbling and shocking.
The American public have been so numbed and bummed out by previous governments and big business They need to

wake up and urgently support the president's initiative for change in it's health care . Thanks, Michael!

Canadians, don't let this happen here... It could!

I have lived in Canada for 7+ years. Came from the US of A--and agree whole heartedly that universal health care is the only option for a nation that considers itself civilized and democratic. BUT CANADA----OH CANADA!! What are you doing? In BC there are many essential health care procedures that are no longer covered or covered to an inadequate level for those without insurance coverage (aka extended care, which is scarily like the system in the US; just not as comprehensive. . .yet!!) So, yes, the US is way off. BUT MIND YOUR OWN PROBLEMS TOO---insurance companies are making inroads into the Canadian system. When I tell my Canadian friends this they say "Oh the people would never allow an end to the Canadian Health Care system. Well, sadly, you are allowing it as we speak. SO, CANADIANS, PAY ATTENTION, YOU ARE GOING BACK TO A SYSTEM BACKED BY PROFIT-MAKING INSURANCE AND SERVICE PROVIDERS step by step and bit by bit. Please notice and stop it before it's too late.

With great interest, I watched this documentary one more time on CBC. Simply put, United States is controlled by the few rich, who are even getting richer by continuing to rip off the rest of the world and even its own citizens. It's a prime example of the dark side of humanity.

There is a danger in Canada which is under constant pressure from US and from some of our Canadians with hidden agenda to privatize our system ... we must be wary of this danger.

Canada's universal health care is not perfect, which still need to be improved, but it's way better than the for-profit-only system in US.

The Heath Care System in the U.S is for profit $$$
This is why there is so much resistance to a universally gauranteed system. Big business profits and bonuses are at risk, and so they are lobbying the government to prevent changes to the system.
Americans, do not believe the fear mongering from the right. My experience with the Canadian system has been excellent.
Canadians, beware, big business are lobbying our government to get a piece of the action, for profit.

The people of the United States etc. are missing the point. Us against them is alive and well.
Too many wealthy corporations seem to behave like psychopaths and act against humanity's basic value system. They form monopolies and abuse us, to enrich themselves.
What can we do about it?
Support courageous people like Michael Moore when they show us the way. Try not to be distracted by naysayers who use 'one or three' negative incidents to poison our understanding of reality A small number of tragedies always will occur in this imperfect world and are used by detractors.

I would like to share 2 stories with all of you tonight (it's 9pm now in BC, Canada)
#1
My dear friend Rebecca got injured few years ego while rock climbing at Mt. Nemo, Ontario. After a short call to 911 an ambulance showed up and the rescue team and they got her to the top of the cliff, then ambulance drove her to the parking lot where helicopter was awaiting to take her to Hamilton hospital, I can not describe how grateful I am that my friend is alive today, thank you very much to all that helped.
#2
Few years back, I think it was back in 2004 or 5 I broke my arms, next thing I new I was unconscious in the middle of the sidewalk for about 5 minutes. someone called 911 and ambulance, fire track, and police have arrived to help me out. An ambulance took me to a hospital and all was taking care off.

I'm from Poland and I love Canada.

Michael Moore: thank you for speaking for the rest of Americans, you are a good man.

Voytek Renn in B.C. Canada.

God Bless Michael Moore for pointing out the truth about North American "democracy". Like the Americans; as an Albertan, I hear similar justifications for the need for private health care to replace or "enhance" the present universal health care system. Our provincial government is doing everything possible to use scare tactics and cutbacks to convince us that universal health care is not viable. e.g. cutting the small Alberta Health Care premiums, then immediatley declaring that there is not enough money for healthcare. They use all the tactics mentioned in the film.... fear, poor education funding, demoralizing the citizens by cutbacks and layoffs, creating a me vs we mentality, and attacking the poorest and most vulnerable people. (Check out the areas they plan to make cutbacks in!)
Now before you get complacent about your situation in this fine country... look at where our federal govenment wants to take us. Stephen Harper seems to want to make us more like the Americans...one of his first acts a PM was to send our troops to Afghanistan and he seems to follow the American's lead on every issue. Many politicians are also in favour of private health care as well. Ask yourself why. We as citizens have a responsibilty to each other and our future generations to VOTE and hold our governments accountable. By reversing our fear of them and using our common voices to ensure that they do REPRESENT US, and not further their own agendas. In the film Sicko, we were shown many countries that live up to the promises and philosophy of democracy. As it was stated in the film...Taking care of each other is not socialism...it is just the right thing to do. We need to get out of the ME mentality and into the We mentality. Canada is the finest country with the most caring and well loved people in the world. But each of us has to take part in keeping it that way.

A very disturbing expose of the American health-care system.

What worries me even more is the prospect of private health-care being introduced into Canada. The political rhetoric has already begun. Our Health MInister here in British Columbia has publicly stated he is open to exploring the possibilities of private health-care. He should be lynched! Honestly, it is treasonous to make these kind of arrogant comments. These politicians come into our public lives claiming how they know what is best for us; meanwhile they are really pursuing their own private agendas pulling the wool over our eyes with their deceptions. It is true.

Really now. How much do governments spend on our health-care system in Canada? Billions? Do you think that kind of money has private health-care providers salivating? Of course it does. Do you think they are speaking to our politicians? Do you think they are providing money to political campaigns? They will never, ever stop applying pressure in their pursuit of profits. Greed!

There is no other word that accurately describes their actions - evil. It might sound perhaps callow to say that. But how would you describe how those people in Michael Moore's documentary were treated?

We must maintain vigilance. If we don't, well you have seen the results. We lose the power of demmocracy.

Although Mr. Moore's message is abundantly clear in the film; I know to take it with a grain of salt. He compares the least happy Americans with the happiest Canadians/French/English/etc. I would be interested to hear what the unhappy Europeans have to say about their healthcare systems; and the happiest Americans for that matter. A quick review of the many prior posts demonstrates clearly not all Canadian's are happy with the system we have and are legitimately concerned with where it may be headed; yet it was portrayed as near utopic in the film.
I think Mr. Moore's case would have been better argued having addressed public healtcare issues such as waiting times, increased tax burden, system abuse, and the ever rising cost of quality care.
He did not provide a solution, he merely identified the problem in fairly biased terms.
I do believe in Tommy Douglas' vision; it requires a financial sacrifice from all Canadians and benefits those who need it. (French doctors comment "People pay according to their means, receive care according to their needs." Love it!).
I give it three and a half expensive prescriptions out of five. :)

I'm an American and my mouth was nearly opened the entire movie in disbelief of what most of these middle class workers were/are dealing with.

I hate politics and always will. In every election I look to see what they have to say about health reform and nothing has been done. Their campaign emphasizes the importance of health care and education but what are they really doing? Nothing has changed. All I'm asking for is affordable insurance. Not a premium that cost 2 car payments.

Bottom line is I think Mr. Moore summed it for me. It;s the rising cost of heath care and the fact that most Physicians can't practice freely without the burden of Malpractice premiums being so high. Lawyers *cough* cough *

I recall talking to a friend about this movie saying she knew someone who had to pay nearly $500,000 Dollars for malpractice insurance. Exaggerating? Maybe but still ridiculous.

The health industry makes too much money. Pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars on advertisements. I work at a resort and I see several Pharmaceutical companies spending thousands of dollars on awards dinners and conventions. Why can't they put that money through a better system? Always for profit.

In closing I don't have insurance work 2 jobs which don't provide health care, can't afford insurance because the premium for me would be $400 nearly two thirds of what I pay for rent. Think I have some sort of abdominal ailment. afraid to go to a doctor because I would be billed for all the tests they would need to take.i'm already in debt dealing with my divorce and paying child support, student loans etc. Man this sounds depressing. Maybe I need those anti depression drugs....... wait...... I don't have the $200 for them (Exaggerating a bit I know)

Cheers.