A new study by the Fraser Institute has uncovered a staggering economic burden on Canadians due to prolonged medical wait times. In 2025, nearly 1.4 million patients faced an average wait of 28.6 weeks from referral by a general practitioner to the start of treatment, resulting in a total cost of $4.2 billion. This translates to an average of $3,043 per patient in lost work hours and reduced productivity, highlighting a critical issue in the nation's healthcare system.
Conservative Estimates Mask Deeper Impacts
The report, titled "The Private Cost of Public Queues for Medically Necessary Care," notes that these figures are conservative. They only account for work-related costs, excluding factors like reduced quality of life, increased risk of death or complications from delayed treatment, and costs borne by family members providing care. If all hours of the week were valued, excluding sleep, the estimated cost could soar to $12.9 billion or $9,336 per patient.
Provincial Breakdown of Costs
The study surveyed 12 medical specialties and found significant variations across provinces. New Brunswick had the highest average cost per patient at $4,864, followed by Quebec at $3,912 and Alberta at $3,724. Other provinces included Prince Edward Island at $3,466, Nova Scotia at $3,317, Newfoundland and Labrador at $3,261, Manitoba at $3,220, Saskatchewan at $3,195, British Columbia at $2,720, and Ontario at $1,918. These costs are in addition to the federal and provincial taxes Canadians already pay for healthcare.
International Comparisons and Systemic Issues
International studies consistently rank Canada among developed countries with the longest medical wait times in universal healthcare systems. The Fraser Institute emphasizes that the rationing of healthcare through queues imposes direct costs on patients, diminishing their ability to earn income and enjoy leisure time due to physical and psychological suffering. Family and friends also face impacts, as they may need to assist those waiting, further reducing productive lives.
Trends and Historical Context
While costs decreased slightly from 2024, when 1.5 million patients paid $5.2 billion out-of-pocket with an average wait of 30 weeks, the ongoing issue underscores systemic challenges. The report calls attention to the need for policy reforms to address inefficiencies and reduce wait times, ensuring timely access to medically necessary care without imposing undue financial and personal burdens on Canadians.
