<P> The Canada Health Act covers the services of psychiatrists, medical doctors with additional training in psychiatry . In Canada, psychiatrists tend to focus on the treatment of mental illness with medication . However, the Canada Health Act excludes care provided in a "hospital or institution primarily for the mentally disordered ." Some institutional care is provided by provinces . The Canada Health Act does not cover treatment by a psychologist or psychotherapist unless the practitioner is also a medical doctor . Goods and Services Tax or Harmonized Sales Tax (depending on the province) applies to the services of psychotherapists . Some coverage for mental health care and substance abuse treatment may be available under other government programs . For example, in Alberta, the province provides funding for mental health care through Alberta Health Services . Most or all provinces and territories offer government - funded drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation, although waiting lists may exist . The cost of treatment by a psychologist or psychotherapist in Canada has been cited as a contributing factor in the high suicide rate among first responders such as police officers, EMTs and paramedics . According to a CBC report, some police forces "offer benefits plans that cover only a handful of sessions with community psychologists, forcing those seeking help to join lengthy waiting lists to seek free psychiatric assistance ." </P> <P> Vision care varies by province or territory . For example, in Ontario, annual eye examinations (but not eyeglasses or contact lenses) are covered by OHIP for persons under 20 and those 65 and over . OHIP also covers a major eye exam once every 12 months for persons aged 20 to 64 who have medical conditions (such as diabetes) requiring regular eye examinations . Otherwise, eye examinations are not covered for persons 20 to 64 . </P> <P> Although dental health may affect overall health, routine dental care is not covered . Certain dental surgery, when performed in hospital, is covered . Provinces and territories may offer specific programs for children . For example, Healthy Smiles Ontario is a program for children 17 and under in Ontario who do not have access to any form of dental coverage, e.g. through private insurance provided by a parent's employer . </P> <P> Coverage for footcare varies by province . In Ontario, podiatrists may bill the provincial health plan, OHIP, for their services . However, no new podiatrists have been registered to practice in Ontario since 1993 . Chiropodists do not bill OHIP . Chiropodists may not communicate a diagnosis to their patients . Both Chiropodists and Podiatrists can prescribe medications, perform injections and soft tissue surgery . These services may be covered if provided by a general practitioner or orthopedic surgeon . </P>

When was universal health care brought to canada