Yeah, you're right
You're correct in both your assertions. Ages ago, the Alberta provincial govt tried to give people wider opportunities to purchase private care and the Feds had a hissy fit, and decided to fine Alberta for every dollar that was directed away from the public system (by the free choice of individuals, no less).
Yeah, it's coming back to me now. Sorry about that, I'm confusing my idealized image of Canada with reality, which just isn't as pretty.