When was Canada's Medicare program established?

• A. 1956
• B. 1966
• C. 1976
• D. 1986

Answer: (B)

Canada's Medicare program was established in 1966. This significant development in Canadian healthcare aimed to provide universal health coverage to all citizens, ensuring access to necessary medical services without direct charges at the point of care. The introduction of Medicare can be traced back to the earlier provincial programs, but it was the Medical Care Act of 1966 that led to the establishment of a national framework ensuring that all provinces and territories would offer universal healthcare services.

Prior to this legislation, some provinces had implemented their own forms of healthcare insurance, but the 1966 Act marked a crucial step toward a unified, nationwide approach. The program was designed to alleviate the financial burden of medical costs and to improve overall public health across the country. This landmark legislation was a turning point in Canadian social policy, establishing healthcare as a right for all Canadians rather than a privilege dependent on one's financial situation.