Free doesn’t always mean better
I’m no longer sure that my government has my best interests at heart. Speaking vicariously, of course. I shouldn’t pay attention to declining services, at least until I need them. But today’s story on the CBC website gives me pause.
For those that work on the water (call them sailors, for simplicity), the Coast Guard provides for their safety. The legacy of the Titanic, if you wish. You’re taking on water, things look wet in your future, who you gonna call? Coast radio, of course. And if you are ill, and at sea? Ditto. Except that the government has been reducing the level of services offered. Part of a rationalization (or a shift in interest to other parts of the nation?)
Recently, a fisher called up the coastal radio system to request medical assistance for his father (also on board the vessel). His call was routed through to a doctor in Italy. Seems the “free” outweighed the “local” aspect of medical advice. The service (established to assist seagoing personnel from “poorer” nations) now have Canadian clientele.
Little matter that there’s a language barrier, and that the doctor didn’t have any idea where the call was coming from. Free is free. Hey, taxpayer, if you think this means a saving on your bottom line… give your head a shake. Not too hard, though. Free medical advice might misdiagnose.
The Canadian Coast Guard does a great job. However, national leaders from the dirt-based Prairies may not understand the tradition, or the reason for continuing to care for souls at sea. Here’s hoping that we don’t have another titanic sized disaster to “celebrate”, in the quest for cheaper everything.
