actually dude, it pretty much is as easy just to go down to the corner medi clinic and say "im sick" and usually within 20 minutes you go and get treated..
I wonder if it's maybe a regional thing, maybe you live in a less congested area? I also have to wonder how many mis-truths you're subject to up there, seeing as how canada seems to like spreading anti-american propoganda, not to mention almost all but 1 of our media outlets are liberal and don't spread the truth.
and btw canadian health care is not free, its tax money
But do you have to be employed or previously employed to qualify? IE, is there initiative, other than a steady income, to persue employ?