Canadian Healthcare Delivery System Overview

The government (provincial or territorial) manages and runs the publicly funded healthcare program within its jurisdiction.

Healthcare coverage must include all essential medical services, both in hospitals and doctors' offices.

All residents of a province or territory are entitled to healthcare coverage, regardless of their income or employment status.

Residents can access essential healthcare services in other provinces or territories when traveling or moving.

Healthcare services should be available and affordable to all residents, without significant barriers.

The federal government sets national standards through the Canada Health Act, provides funding to provinces, and directly delivers healthcare to specific groups (e.g., veterans, Indigenous Canadians).

Provinces or territories manage the healthcare system within their region, including insurance plans, hospital operations, funding providers, and some aspects of prescription care.

The main funding mechanism from the federal government to provinces and territories that supports their healthcare systems.

A system where the federal government provides financial support to provinces with lower revenue levels to ensure they can offer comparable public services at similar tax rates.

Significant challenges facing the system include long wait times for both urgent and elective care, limited access to mental health services, shortage of family doctors and nurses, insufficient funding, and high costs for essential services not covered by Medicare.

The range of health services covered by Canada's publicly funded health insurance system, which primarily includes doctor's visits, hospital care, and certain diagnostic tests.

Significant percentage of Canadians lack dental insurance due to high costs. In 2022-2023, a new service was proposed to provide coverage to lower-income individuals meeting specific requirements.

The Pharmacare Act represents the initial step towards a national universal program designed to provide drug coverage for all Canadians.

Healthcare was primarily provided by families, churches, and local communities. Common health issues included poor sanitation and infectious diseases.

Canada became a self-governing nation. The federal government took responsibility for healthcare for Indigenous people, the military, veterans, and pharmaceutical safety. Provinces were responsible for healthcare for their citizens.

Industrialization led to urban growth, causing sanitation problems and more health issues. Healthcare access was limited to those who could afford it, leading to reliance on charity.

The federal government empowered municipalities to use taxes to fund healthcare services for their residents.

Mostly privately delivered and funded, with nurses providing house calls for treatment.

The economic downturn made it even harder for Canadians to afford healthcare.

Tommy Douglas, a key figure in the development of Medicare, advocated for universal healthcare access, regardless of income.

Provinces and territories provided coverage for hospital care (1961). Coverage expanded to include medical services outside hospitals (1972). Costs were shared between federal and provincial governments until 1977.

The federal government moved to block transfer funding, providing set amounts to each province. This led to provinces introducing extra billing and user fees.

Created by the federal government to combat extra billing and ensure equal access to healthcare. It's based on five key principles.

A Canadian law passed in 2024 aiming to provide coverage for essential medications like birth control and diabetes treatment for individuals with a health card.

Public funding in Canada's healthcare system comes from provincial and federal levels, primarily through personal taxes. Additional sources include sales tax and lottery proceeds.

Private funding in Canada's healthcare system comprises 30% of the total, primarily from out-of-pocket payments and private insurance benefits from employers. It covers services like dental, eye care, and personal health supplies.

The first point of contact for non-urgent healthcare, providing continuity of care, direct services, and referrals to other levels. It promotes health improvement, disease prevention, and social equity.

Specialized care provided by a specialist following a diagnosis and referral from a primary care physician or nurse practitioner. It can be provided at home or in the community.

Highly specialized care focused on complex cases referred from secondary care. It involves hospitals equipped with advanced diagnostic and procedural equipment.

A system where patients with private health insurance receive faster and better healthcare services compared to those relying on the public system.

The debate surrounding privatization involves arguments for and against allowing citizens to buy private healthcare services. Some believe it violates the right to life, while others argue it protects the greater good and ensures universal healthcare standards for everyone.