Millions of Canadians Remain on Health-Care Waiting Lists: Report

A doctor is pictured at a Calgary health clinic in July 2023. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh

Despite a slight improvement in health-care wait times, 3–5 million Canadians are still on waiting lists, according to a recent report.

The findings, by think tank SecondStreet, include provincial data on wait-lists for surgery, diagnostic testing, and consultation with specialists. They show 1.5 million people are waiting for diagnostic support, another million are on hold to see a specialist, and more than 600,000 Canadians are awaiting surgery.