Half of Canadians have avoided hospitals because of wait times, a poll finds

Avoid care over wait times

50 %

In a new Leger poll, 50 per cent said they avoid going to a hospital or doctor because they don't expect timely treatment.

Some 27 per cent have paid for private care to avoid long waits, and 61 per cent are open to paying for surgery at private clinics if the public system can't deliver in time.

And us?

About six million Canadians don't have a family doctor. In 2024-25, one in 10 emergency patients spent 14 hours or more there.

The poll was commissioned by the Montreal Economic Institute, SecondStreet.org and the Canadian Constitution Foundation. Many health agencies worry more private care would worsen waits in the public system.