Amputees in Canada need health care to cover prosthetic limbs

H E A L T H   C A R E  G A P S  

Two years ago, Christine Caron took her dogs for a walk. A month later, both her legs and one of her arms had been amputated ... and she was getting a crash course in the limits of Canadian health care. All it took was a fluke accident.  
This week, in the lead up to the federal election, we're going to look at some of the issues facing Canadians who have to navigate the health care system. Many aspects, of course, are up to the provinces, but it's all under federal leadership. And Canadians, advocates and health care professionals are watching what the federal parties have to say.

We'll hear from the politicians Thursday - but today, we look into one example of a shortfall in universal health care.   

We begin with Christine Caron's story.

Christine Caron lives in Ottawa.We'd like to thank freelancer Julia Sisler for that story.

Woman who lost limbs after dog bite learns to drive again

9 years ago

Duration 2:07

Two years after Christine Caron lost her legs and part of her arm, a new specially-adapted device is letting her get back behind the wheel. Nancy Dudek is Christine Caron's doctor. She's also the Medical Director of the Amputee Program at the Ottawa Hospital. She was in Ottawa. 
 

More segments on The Current looking at Canadian health care

♦ Geriatricians call for controversial change to health care for seniors
♦ Save health care, make medicare an election issue, say experts
 

CBC's Special Series: Keeping Canada Alive

During a single, 24-hour period, Sixty camera crews filmed in hospitals, clinics and homes from coast to coast to coast. They captured intimate and dramatic stories, which are airing Sundays on CBC TV.

Go to CBC's website, Keeping Canada Alive, for all the stories in this series.
 

This segment was produced by The Current's Sujata Berry.