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Why we are making this documentary

I am a Canadian, and was born and raised in Edmonton.  In 1992, I moved to the Seattle area with my husband, Terry, and our two sons.  After arriving in the United States, I experienced culture shock when I realized that an accident or illness could financially devastate our family.  I was offended to hear the misconceptions that Americans had about the Canadian health care system.  My personal experience of having had the peace of mind of living in Canada and then the chronic, underlying fear and anxiety of living in the United States, led me to wonder how two countries with so many similarities had developed such different health care systems.  In my research for this documentary, and through meeting with dozens of people and interviewing many well informed experts and historians, I am inspired. The story of the battle for national health care in both Canada and the United States is an adventure story, fraught with heroes and villains.  I can't wait to share it in this documentary.

   Laurie Simons MA LMHC                  View a list of my other productions here

I am an American citizen, who had the opportunity to live in Canada for ten years, after marrying my wife, Laurie, who is Canadian.  Both of our children were born in Canada.  In 1992 we moved to the Seattle area.  Having lived and worked in both countries, I am dismayed by what seems to be a remarkable difference in the mindset of those living in the U.S. and those in Canada toward their fellow citizens. In Canada the priority is on cooperation, and making sure everyone is looked after.  In the United States, there seems to be more emphasis on individual responsibility,  independence, and freedom.  This difference is reflected directly in the two nations’ Health Care systems.   Some Americans are concerned that others will take advantage of the system.  This happens in both countries, but Canadians seem to feel it is a moral responsibility to look after one another, while Americans don't want their tax dollars supporting others who fail to take care of themselves.  I think health care is a deep seated concern that rocks the country, and leads to a  struggle of conscience for all Americans who want to do the right thing.  I hope that this film will help resolve this very personal struggle.

   Terry Sterrenberg LCSW