Hospital user fee plan doesn't fly

Newmarket-Aurora PC candidate Frank Klees better keep a $5 bill handy. He'll need it when he visits the hospital emergency to get his foot pried out of his mouth.
Mr. Klees is recommending a $5 user fee for hospital visits, suggesting it'll make people think twice about going to an ER instead of a clinic.
It's unnecessary and inefficient for patients to visit a hospital for minor conditions, Klees added. 
But Mr. Klees' suggestion is flawed. A user-fee on hospital visits could backfire, leaving some seniors, women and poor people at risk. It might even violate the Canada Health Act.
It must be noted Mr. Klees is no stranger to controversy when it comes to health care.
During his bid for the PC Party's Ontario leadership, he recommended health care could be delivered by the private sector, yet still billed through OHIP.
In fairness to Mr. Klees, he does have the courage to take stands and he does stick by them. There is nothing wishy washy about him. With Mr. Klees, you know what you're getting.
Still, here's a message to all political candidates: Keep your paws off our medicare system.