Watching CNN these days you would think that all Canadians are suffering because of a dysfunctional government-run healthcare system. Organizations such as Conservatives for Patients’ Rights are running TV spots like this one to ‘reveal the reality of government-run healthcare in Canada’.
It’s the same organization that posted a video on YouTube featuring orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Day saying “our own Supreme Court of Canada has stated that patients are actually dying as they wait for care in Canada”.
It’s a complicated and politically charged issue and I don’t claim to be an expert. The current debate in the US prompted me to look at comparative data about how Quebeckers and Canadian in the ROC view the issue.
But first, here’s data from a recent Canada-U.S. survey of attitudes about healthcare conducted by Ipsos Reid.
The differences aren’t that significant – with two major exceptions which are at the heart of the debate in the U.S.
- 65% of Canadian agree with the statement ‘I currently have access to all of the health care services I need without it costing me more than I can afford. Only 49% agree in the U.S.
- 47% of Americans say this statement describes them: ‘I do not have to wait a long time for an appointment when I am referred to a specialist.’ Only 26% of Canadians agree with the statement.
The Canadian Medical Association conducted a poll via Ipsos Reid last October among a thousand Canadians and asked them to rank the most and least important issues ‘in terms of action for the next newly elected government’.
Residents of Quebec and Atlantic Canada were more likely to rank health care ahead of the economy, taxes, the environment, crime and international issues than Canadians living in other provinces.
It also asked about specific health care issues and whether they should be a top priority or not at all a priority using a 10 points scale.
The list included:
- The shortage of doctors.
- The shortage of other healthcare professionals.
- The efficiency of the health care system.
- The overall quality of health care.
- Access to MRIs, X-rays and other diagnostics equipment.
- Access to mental health care.
- Lack of an electronic medical record.
Quebeckers consistently rated these priorities lower than residents of Ontario. In fact, 34% of Quebeckers did not rank any as a 9 or 10 priority compared to only 11% of Ontarians.
Should we conclude that Quebeckers say they are more concerned about healthcare than most Canadians - yet when it comes to specifics, they appear to be not as concerned or can’t put their finger on what needs to be improved?
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