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COMMENTARY: Provincial independence and the loss of portable health benefits

“I think that’s in the national interest of the economy and it’s in the national interest of unity. I think there’s a consensus right across the country that the western (provinces) need to be treated a bit differently.” – P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz, May 8, 2025 (CBC news)

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The 13 provincial and territorial premiers are gathered in Charlottetown for the Council of the Federation meeting. I am certain that a major topic of discussion is how to promote national unity.

In early October, there is a Quebec election, and if the PQ wins, its leader has promised to hold a third referendum on Quebec independence. On Oct. 19, Premier Danielle Smith has organized a vote on whether Alberta should have an independence referendum.

Some 15 to 18 per cent of Albertans were committed to separation by an Ipsos poll. Meanwhile, CTV and Global polls found that 26 to 29 per cent of Quebecers favoured separation and 62 per cent to 71 per cent opposed a third referendum.

Often overlooked is the impact on access to health care within an independent province or elsewhere in Canada. A vote for independence would cause many physicians and nurses to promptly flee.

Residents of an independent province would no longer be under the protection of the Canada Health Act. They would hence be treated as “non-residents of Canada”........

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