This is the second article in a three-part series on the future of Canada's health care system. The articles are presented as a follow-up to the impassioned debate on the topic during the CMA's 1995 annual meeting in Winnipeg. The first article, which appeared in the Feb. 1 issue, dealt with the development of a parallel private health care system in the United Kingdom. This article deals with the consequences of maintaining the health care status quo in Canada. The final one, to appear Apr. l, will debate whether a parallel private system is a worthwhile option for Canada to consider. Last August, General Council decided unanimously that the CMA should spark a national debate on the advisability of introducing private insurance for all medical services.