Competency of adolescents to make informed decisions.

in the private realm. Thus far, Canadians have chosen the ethical principle of distributive justice over that of autonomy as the foundation of their health care system. It will take a great deal of dedication and persistence from medicare’s supporters to keep this foundation from crumbling. A meaningful and accurate understanding of waiting lists that is transparent to physicians, patients and politicians is one important step in helping maintain our commitment to a system that has served Canadians so well for so long.