[Tom Ford]'s column is timely. But the inclusion of the sentiment by the Canadian Medical Association that waits for "elective" procedures are of little import is problematic and contrary to new research. Such research shows that there are hundreds of thousands of Canadians waiting on these "elective" lists. Waiting causes pain and suffering, puts their lives on hold and damages their family and work lives. Such a situation is morally, ethically and politically indefensible. Surely our health care system is accountable for providing timely and appropriate care for all, not just those who are in need of life-saving care.

Three and half years into my illness, and after two operations, my neurosurgeon is out of answers for the reason that I am in pain. Since the pain is when I am standing up, he reasons that a standing MRI "might" give him the answer. Since the closest machine is in Alberta, Manitoba Health won't cover the cost because a local radiologist deems it an "emerging" treatment.

At first glance, Leigh Halprin's What Ahmadinejad said (2), Oct. 5, seems to be based on good background research. However, after doing a quick Internet search, I found that almost her entire letter comes directly from Wikipedia, the online encyclopaedia. She even presents her points in exactly the same order. Given that Wikipedia is based on the voluntary entries of uncertified members of the public, its claims should be viewed with extreme caution. In fact, this exact entry Halprin uses is flagged by Wikipedia itself, noting that the information has not been verified.