Canada Commits to Investing $200 Billion Over 10 Years to Revitalize Healthcare System Amid Staffing Shortages and Long Wait Times

The Canadian government has pledged to invest nearly C$200 billion in the country’s ailing healthcare system over the course of the next decade. This financing, outlined in a statement released on Tuesday, is being touted as a long-term solution for the struggling system. Hospitals in Canada have been grappling with a shortage of staff and long wait times for care, and there have been reports of patients passing away while awaiting treatment.

Under Canada’s taxpayer-funded healthcare system, all citizens and permanent residents have access to essential hospital and doctor visits free of charge. The system is financed through a combination of federal and provincial funds, with about 25% of the financing provided by the federal government through the Canada Health Transfer.

Canadian provincial premiers have been urging Prime Minister Trudeau to increase federal spending on healthcare, and he has responded with a funding appeal. However, Trudeau has made it clear that he will not boost financing without conditions. His plan calls for a total expenditure of $196.1 billion on healthcare over the next decade, including $46.2 billion in additional funding not previously included in the budget. Over the subsequent ten years, this will result in a 61% increase in the Canada Health Transfer to provinces.