A new national public opinion survey reveals that Canadians are at a tipping point, overwhelmingly frustrated with the current state of health care and demanding widespread change. The inaugural survey from Santis Health and Nanos Research, titled The Canadian Health Perspective, found that 91% of Canadians agree it is important for the health system to change now, a view held across all demographics and provinces.
Canadians Express Worry and Frustration
The survey highlights deep discontent, with 70% of Canadians reporting they feel 'worried' or 'frustrated' about the current state of care. Only 14% believe the health system is moving in the right direction, while 55% think it is heading the wrong way. Canadians who make health decisions for themselves and others are even more likely to view the system negatively.
Long Waits Cited as Top Failure
Long waits are identified as the defining failure of the system, cited by 26% of respondents—more than any other concern. This finding underscores the urgency for reform.
Mandate for Innovation
According to Patrick Nelson, Managing Partner at Santis Health, 'Nine in ten Canadians calling for system change is not a nudge, it's a mandate. It's a wake-up call and permission for decision-makers to move faster and further to innovate.' Nik Nanos, Chief Data Scientist at Nanos Research, added that despite other national priorities like the economy and geopolitical uncertainty, fixing health care remains top of mind for Canadians.
Canadians Open to New Models
The data shows that Canadians are ready to embrace real change, including team-based care, digital innovation, and new delivery partnerships. Dan Carbin, Managing Partner at Santis Health, noted that 'innovative technologies, breakthrough medications, and new ways of delivering care have the potential to massively improve health outcomes, but we need to integrate them rapidly into the public system to ensure fair and equitable benefit for all Canadians.'
Regional Differences
Residents of Quebec reported the lowest rates of hope (2%) about the health system, while those in Atlantic Canada were more likely to feel hopeful (26%). The survey underscores a clear mandate for health care leaders and governments to act decisively.
