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The United States senate passed a historic health care reform bill on Christmas Eve, handing president Barack Obama a top domestic victory. The bill was voted along party lines with a 60-39 vote after months of heated debate. Every Democratic member voted for the bill while every Rebulican voted against it.

Should this bill become a law, it would be the greatest overhaul of the federal health care system since Medicare and Medicaid was enacted over four decades ago and will insure an additional 30 million Americans.

"We are now finally poised to deliver on the promise of real, meaningful health insurance reform that will bring additional security and stability to the American people," Obama said shortly after the vote. "If passed, this will be the most important piece of social legislation since the Social Security Act passed in the 1930s."

Democrats hope to merge this bill with the plan that was approved by the House of Representatives in November. Republican leaders have warned that this measure will raise taxes and have little effect on the spiralling health care costs.

The bill is projected to cut the federal deficit by $132 billion over the next ten years while also subsidizing insurance for families and individuals who cannot afford regular health insurance. The plan should allow for less expensive coverage and prevent insurance companies from denying health insurance coverage for per-existing conditions.

As a Canadian who is fortunate to be covered by universal health care, I believe that this new measure by our friends south of the border is absolutely essential and is long overdue. Canadians have never compromised our health for lower taxes and taking care of our citizens that otherwise would not be able to afford health insurance is well, the Canadian way.

To forgo medical treatment because one cannot afford to be treated should not be an option for a civilized country. To be forced to mortgage your house because you need an operation is unconscionable and is downright wrong. Congratulations Mr. Obama and all Americans for making such a bold overhaul of the health care system.