Federal Policies Are Fuelling Canada’s Doctor Shortage

To begin with, despite higher healthcare spending compared to other developed nations with universal healthcare systems, Canada ranks near the bottom in terms of physicians per capita. Wait times for medical care are on the rise, and an estimated 6.5 million Canadian adults did not have a family doctor as of 2022. This number has increased sharply from 4.5 million in 2019, with projections suggesting it may reach 10 million in the coming years.

One major factor is the national $10-per-day child-care program. By increasing demand through subsidies while restricting supply with regulatory control, the government has created widespread child-care shortages, hindering many Canadians, including doctors, from working.

For instance, a married couple who are both medical doctors in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, highlighted the challenges they face with child care. Despite moving to a great city to start a family, they find child care to be their most worrisome issue. The impending closure of the YMCA daycare, where they secured a spot six months before their child was born, poses a significant problem for them.

The closure of the YMCA daycare due to the unsustainable nature of the government’s $10-per-day program has raised concerns for many, including the doctors who rely on it for childcare support. This situation could make it extremely challenging for them to continue their medical practice.

The Ontario Medical Association has warned of the significant impact of the capital gains tax increase on patient care and physician well-being. These policy failures, along with others, are exacerbating the already critical shortage of doctors in Canada.