Editorial Note:
Danielle Martin is a Canadian politician and physician who serves as the member of Parliament for University—Rosedale. In 2017, Dr. Martin wrote a book, Better Now: Six Big Ideas to Improve Health Care for All Canadians. A member of the Liberal Party, Martin was elected in a 2026 by-election. Her email address is danielle.martin@parl.gc.ca.
Fri. June 12, 2026
Dear Dr. Martin:
I’ve followed and admired your work for many years. From when Senator Bernie Sanders got you to testify about the Single Payer Health Care System in front of United States Congress to your book Better Now. You have been one of the strongest advocates for our health care system in Canada.
As I’m sure you are aware the single payer system has been under attack in Canada for some time by various provincial governments. Recently Premier Ford has brought forward many options for private care. Even worse Premier Smith in Alberta has brought forward Bill 11 which will allow doctors to bill the public system and charge patients. If passed this law could forever change our Universal Health Care system across Canada as many other right wing provincial governments will likely follow suit.
I was delighted when you announced that you were running for the Liberal party in University-Rosedale and even happier when you won. I was hoping you would have Prime Minister Carney’s ear and be a beacon for Canada’s Single Payer system. Please prove me correct and voice your support for the Canada Health Act to Prime Minister Carney. Please strengthen our Health Care System, which has been allowed to wither away under recent governments. Please prove my intuition about you correct.
Sincerely,
Gordon Assman
