Which legislation introduced the principle of accessibility to the Canadian health care system?

The Canada Health Act is the legislation that introduced the principle of accessibility to the Canadian health care system. This Act was enacted in 1984 and outlines the criteria and conditions that provinces and territories must adhere to in order to receive federal health funding. Accessibility, as defined in the Canada Health Act, requires that insured persons have reasonable access to medically necessary hospital and physician services without financial or other barriers.

This principle emphasizes that Canadians should not face undue obstacles when accessing necessary medical services. By ensuring accessibility, the Act aims to protect the right of all citizens to receive health care services based on need rather than the ability to pay. This foundational aspect of the Canadian health care system reflects the commitment to equitable care delivery across the country.

The other options relate to different aspects of health care legislation in Canada. The Federal Provincial Fiscal Arrangement is more about financial agreements between federal and provincial governments rather than specific principles of health care access. The Hospital Insurance and Accessibility Programs Act and the Medical Care Act also contributed to the development of health care systems in Canada but did not explicitly establish accessibility as a guiding principle in the same comprehensive manner as the Canada Health Act.