Impressions of Canada’s Healthcare System

March 11, 2022

From February 25-27, 2022, on behalf of Postmedia, Leger surveyed Canadians about their impressions of Canada’s healthcare system.

The survey explores:

  • whether Canadians were unable to physically see a doctor or had a scheduled medical test, procedure or surgery delated during the pandemic (or know someone who did)
  • whether Canadians deliberately avoided accesssing Canada’s healthcare system during the pandemic due to concerns associated with it
  • how well Canadians think the healthcare system has performed during the pandemic
  • whether Canadians are confident political leaders will make reforms to Canada’s healthcare system to ensure it is able to meet future challenges
  • and more

SOME OF THE KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR SURVEY ON IMPRESSIONS OF CANADA’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM INCLUDE…

  • 36% of Canadians deliberately avoided trying to access the healthcare system in the last 2 years due to concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • 59% of Canadians think Canada’s healthcare system has performed well throughout the pandemic, while 34% think it has performed poorly.
  • 75% of Canadians agree the pandemic made them question if Canada’s healthcare system is truly one of the best in the world.
  • 76% of Canadians feel the pandemic provided evidence that meaningful healthcare reforms are needed to improve the delivery and accessibility of health services.
  • Over half of Canadians would support more private sector delivery of healthcare procedures, as long as the principle of universal access and coverage is maintained.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

  • A web survey was conducted among 1,519 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, via Leger’s online panel, LEO.
  • The data was collected from February 25 to 27, 2022.
  • As a non-probability online survey, a margin of error is technically not reported. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of 1,519 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
  • Using data from the 2016 census, the results were weighted according to age, gender and region in order to ensure a representative sample of the population.

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