Survey Reveals Canadians Sense Decline in Health-Care System
A recent survey indicates a significant decline in the perception of Canada’s health-care system among its citizens. Many Canadians report increasing difficulties in accessing essential medical care, particularly family doctors and specialists.
Declining Access to Family Doctors in Canada
The Angus Reid Institute conducted a survey from November 26 to December 1, 2025, with over 4,000 respondents. The findings reveal that 50% of participants either lack a family doctor or face challenges in seeing one. This marks a concerning 25% increase in difficulties accessing family physicians compared to data from 2015.
Reasons Behind the Decline
Several factors contribute to the decline in access to family doctors. The number of practitioners in family medicine is not meeting the growing demand. This situation is exacerbated by numerous retirements and a shifting preference among new medical graduates.
Challenges in Accessing Specialists
The survey also highlights significant barriers patients face in obtaining specialist appointments. Approximately 55% of respondents reported that it is difficult, very difficult, or even impossible to see a specialist when needed.
Perception of Health-Care Quality
Overall sentiment towards the health-care system is stark. About 70% of respondents believe that the quality of care in their provinces has dwindled over the past decade. This decline is occurring despite nearly a doubling of national health-care spending during the same timeframe.
Conclusion
The findings from this survey underscore a profound concern regarding the health-care system in Canada. As accessibility challenges and declining quality perceptions grow, Canadians may increasingly seek solutions to improve their health-care experiences.
