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How healthy is the Canadian health-care system?

Canada’s health-care system is a point of Canadian pride. We hold it up as a defining national characteristic and an example of what makes us different from Americans. The system has been supported in its current form, more or less, by parties of all political stripes — for nearly 50 years.

Our team at the Queen’s University School of Policy Studies Health Policy Council is a team of seasoned and accomplished health-care leaders in health economics, clinical practice, education, research and health policy. We study, teach and comment on health policy and the health-care system from multiple perspectives.

While highly regarded, Canada’s health-care system is expensive and…

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 Single-Payer - Good, Bad, and Ugly of the Canadian System

It is unlikely the system will change. Most people who actually vote are happy that major illness is covered and are less concerned about chronic care. Physicians like the simplicity of getting paid and fee-for-service. Most Canadians are content that they may not be the best in the world, but at least they're better than the U.S.

Articles of Interest

Is Canada the Right Model for a Better U.S. Health Care System?

For many critics of U.S. health care, the Canadian system of universal health care has long been viewed as an alternative, superior model for the U.S. to follow. Canada’s single-payer system is mostly publicly funded, while the U.S. has a multi-payer, heavily private system. While dissatisfaction with the U.S. health care system is widespread among Americans, Canada’s health care system enjoys high levels of satisfaction among its own population. Much of the appeal of the Canadian system comes from the fact that it seems to do more for less.

The Ugly Truth About Canadian Health Care

Socialized medicine has meant rationed care and lack of innovation. Small wonder Canadians are looking to the market.

Resources

Canadian Public Health Association

We are a national, independent, not-for-profit, voluntary association representing public health in Canada with links to the international public health community. CPHA's members believe in universal and equitable access to the basic conditions which are necessary to achieve health for all Canadians.

Public Health Agency of Canada

Focussed on more effective efforts to prevent chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease, prevent injuries and respond to public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks, the Public Health Agency of Canada works closely with provinces and territories to keep Canadians healthy.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The safety of Canada's food supply is central to everything we do. That's why the CFIA works from the farm gate to the consumer's plate to protect public health. We safeguard not just the food supply but also the plants and animals upon which safe and high quality food depends.

Association of Local Public Health Agencies

On this site you can learn more about our organization and upcoming events, view information on public health units and download job openings, search our library of advocacy and policy issues, including resolutions.

Public Health Association of British Columbia

Preserving and promoting the public's health through disease and injury prevention, health promotion, health protection and healthy public policy.