BC’s largest federation of seniors has expressed deep concern about the failure of the federal government to negotiate a new health accord with provinces and territories. “Unless the federal government changes its mind and negotiates a new health accord, Medicare will be fragmented, with different standards of care in different parts of the country. Medicare will no longer be a national program. And the federal government’s multi-billion dollar reductions in funding will lead to more cuts in service to patients,” says Lorraine Logan, President of the Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of B.C. (COSCO). The federal-provincial health accord that set national standards of care expired on March 31. To raise awareness of the seriousness of the issue, COSCO is hosting a public event. Speakers include: • Wendell Potter, a health policy expert. Potter is former head of communications at Cigna, a multinational health insurance company. In his book Deadly Spin, he exposed the industry PR juggernaut that spends millions lobbying and funding front groups to promote for-profit care. • Alex Himelfarb, director of the Glendon School of Public and International Affairs at York University. A federal public servant for 28 years, he served as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet for three prime ministers. | 
