Half of Canadians Avoid Doctors and Hospitals Because of Long Waits, New Poll Suggests
Published
A new poll suggests that long wait times are causing many Canadians to avoid seeing a doctor or going to the hospital. According to the survey, about half of Canadians have made this choice because they do not want to wait for care.
The poll was conducted from October 16 to 19, 2026. It asked Canadians about their experiences with the healthcare system and whether waiting times affected their decisions to seek medical help. The results show that delays in getting care are a major concern for many people across the country.
Waiting for medical services is a long-standing issue in Canada, where many people wait for appointments, tests, and treatments. When people avoid getting care, their health problems may become more serious over time. The poll highlights how important it is for healthcare providers and governments to find ways to reduce wait times.
The findings add to ongoing public discussion about access to healthcare in Canada. More information about the poll's methods and results may be released in the future.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance Canada
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