For the record, I am aware that Obamacare is not like the Canadian system, or even a two tiered system. Unfortunately, it seems to be the best the Democrats can get through.
If Americans want to cut down on gun violence, the next best thing they could do besides implementing gun control is to put in some kind of public alternative. Personal responsibility and ideology aside, people will do whatever it takes to survive. If this means robbing people at gun point and selling drugs while shooting up rival gangs who try to take over your territory, so be it.
America's health care system needs reform NOW. Many Western governments have been or are under control of conservatives, but they still have some form of public health care system. Even England under Thatcher, one of the most right winged politicians of the 20th century (and she has a lot of competition to contend with), didn't eliminate the NHS. This is why I am glad to hear Ford say what he did, while far from the most ideal conservative, he may get some Republicans thinking about a two tiered approach.
As for your question, it may happen, but I doubt it. Before being elected, Harper had made statements about wanting a US style system, but he has been pretty tame about going at it, even with a majority. While I would rather see the Canadian Health Act expanded to cover dental and medication, I am guessing it will go the other way. If not two tier, then perhaps user fees to help cover the costs. But I am confident that the US dog eat dog way is not coming here.
If it makes you feel any better, much of the same rhetoric being thrown around down there was being used up here when we were implementing it, if not more so. Especially since at the time the only other countries to implement universal health care were Cuba and North Korea.
