Introduction

A shocking new report from the C.D. Howe Institute has revealed that Canada’s healthcare system is lagging behind most of its international peers when it comes to access to care, equity, and wait times, outperforming only the United States in a comparison involving ten major countries.

Comparison with International Peers

The analysis, which compared Canada's healthcare system to those of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and others, found that Canada ranks ninth overall. While the quality of care provided in Canada is deemed relatively high, accessing that care appears to be fraught with challenges.

Data Sources

Data for the report was sourced from various reputable surveys, including the Commonwealth Fund's international patient surveys and statistics from the World Health Organization, OECD, and Canadian Institute for Health Information.

Provincial Performance

All provinces and territories showed disappointing results, with Newfoundland and Labrador and Nunavut reported as the weakest performers. In contrast, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Ontario managed to fare slightly better but still fell short of expectations.

Timeliness of Care

One of the most alarming findings of the report is Canada’s ranking in timeliness. A staggering 47% of survey respondents indicated they waited two months or longer to see a specialist, while 59% reported similar delays for elective surgeries. This paints a grim picture for Canadians who expect timely medical interventions.

Equity Concerns

Equity concerns were also highlighted, with Canada ranking seventh among its peers. Around 25% of Canadians with low or average incomes faced at least one cost-related barrier to accessing healthcare in the past year, a rate twice that of higher-income earners. This inequity was particularly pronounced in the Atlantic provinces, Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon, where many reported forgoing necessary medications and mental health services due to prohibitive costs.

Health Outcomes

Moreover, the report indicated that Canada’s health outcomes are underwhelming, with the country recording the second-highest infant mortality rate and a concerning 30-day in-hospital mortality rate post-stroke.

Recommendations for Improvement

To improve the healthcare landscape in Canada, the report emphasizes the critical need to enhance access to care, expand drug and dental services, and make mental health and homecare more affordable.

Conclusion

This report drives home a loud message: without significant reforms, Canada risks not only falling further behind its peers but also compromising the health of its citizens. Will our leaders heed the call for change? The clock is ticking on the health of a nation.