Dr. Brian Day, a prominent advocate for private health care in Canada, has faced significant criticism and controversy throughout his career. Often referred to as “Dr. Profit” and the “Darth Vader” of Medicare, Day is best known for his legal challenge against British Columbia’s Medicare Protection Act. This act restricts private health care options in the province. His case, Cambie Surgeries Corporation v. British Columbia, has sparked intense debate about the future of health care in Canada.

Day's motivations extend beyond the headlines that often portray him as a profit-driven figure. In his recently published book, "My Fight for Canadian Healthcare: A Thirty-Year Battle to Put Patients First," Day shares his personal journey and the challenges he has faced in advocating for patient access to care. The book is described as engaging and insightful, offering a glimpse into his experiences rather than focusing solely on profit.

In a notable admission, Day reveals that an independent audit of Cambie Surgeries showed that for every $5,000 in revenue, the profit was only $65. When questioned about this, he acknowledged the financial struggles of the business, stating, "That’s a bad business." He also mentioned that some founding shareholders of Cambie had contributed significantly to the public health system, indicating a complex relationship with public health care.

Day's journey into private care began in 1991, following funding cuts to public hospitals. He opened the Cambie Surgery Centre in 1996, during a time when the B.C. NDP government neither supported nor opposed his efforts. The Cambie facility faced opposition, leading Day to file a lawsuit in 2016 aimed at expanding patient access to private care. Although he lost in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, his team sought an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, which ultimately dismissed the request.

The legal battles have not deterred Day's commitment to his cause. He reflects on his early career, recalling a time when the medical field was thriving, with ample resources and a focus on patient care. In the 1970s, Canada had a robust health care system, with doctors competing for patients and a higher number of hospital beds available. Day recalls operating on numerous patients in a single day without interruption, a stark contrast to the current environment where surgeons face significant limitations on operating time and must navigate bureaucratic hurdles.

Day's experiences highlight a shift in the health care landscape, where resource allocation and administrative constraints often overshadow patient care. His advocacy for private health care is rooted in a desire to return to a system where patient needs are prioritized over political and financial considerations. Despite the challenges he faces, Day remains a key figure in the ongoing debate about the future of health care in Canada.