We often hear the U.S. is far behind other countries in its approach to public health. This is particularly the case with chronic disease. We have all seen the data: the US spends trillions and has little to show for such a hefty medical care tab. Canada is often characterized as public health nirvana with universal access to care and better stats to show for the effort.

The Canadians are quite willing to test approaches that were successful elsewhere in their provinces. The Canadian…