[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”!!! PLEASE DO NOT EDIT !!!” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”TO BE EDITED – SUMMARY – Click on the WHEEL icon to open the textarea where you can paste or type your summary. The summary condenses the main points for the news that starts below. The summary is in bold and not longer than 300 characters, including spaces. The counter at the bottom can help.” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Canada\u2019s universal healthcare is challenged by overcrowded hospitals, long waits, and preventable deaths. Business leader Op-ed argues Canada\u2019s health system is failing, citing long waits, ER overcrowding, and calling for reforms to allow private options alongside public care.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”TO BE EDITED – TEXT OF THE NEWS – BLOCK 1 – Click on the WHEEL icon to open the textarea where you can paste or type your news. PLEASE USE ONLY THE FEATURED IMAGE FUNCTION on your right column to add the image.” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1em||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Concerns over wait times in Canada\u2019s<\/a> public health system are growing, as recent reports highlight overcrowded emergency rooms and delays in access to critical procedures. A May 2025 study found some ERs operating at more than 200 per cent capacity, forcing patients into hallways and prompting over 1.3 million Canadians to leave without being treated in 2023.<\/p>\n The delays extend beyond emergency departments. Research by the think tank Second Street estimated that 15,474 Canadians died in 2023\u201324 while waiting for diagnostic scans or surgeries. Because not all provinces release complete data, the group suggested the true figure may be closer to 28,000. International comparisons reinforce the picture: Canada ranked last among 31 high-income nations for timely access in a Commonwealth Fund survey<\/a>.<\/p>\n