Canada’s healthcare system faces a crisis as thousands die waiting for treatment, while euthanasia cases surge.
At a Glance
- 15,500 Canadians died while on healthcare waiting lists from April 2023 to March 2024
- 15,343 euthanasia deaths reported in Canada in 2023, representing 4.7% of all deaths
- Over 60,301 Canadians have chosen euthanasia since its legalization in 2016
- Some patients opt for euthanasia due to prolonged treatment wait times
- Urgent healthcare reforms needed to address the crisis
Canada’s healthcare system is under intense scrutiny as recent data reveals a disturbing trend of patient deaths due to extended wait times for medical treatment. According to a report by SecondStreet.org, at least 15,500 Canadians died while on a waiting list for healthcare between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. This figure, however, may not represent the full extent of the crisis.
This is…damning.
The actual number of deaths on healthcare waiting lists is likely higher, as some provinces do not comprehensively track this data. When extrapolating unknown data, estimates suggest that as many as 28,077 patients may have died while waiting for care during this period. These statistics paint a grim picture of a healthcare system struggling to meet the needs of its citizens.
Rising Euthanasia Cases Compound the Crisis
Parallel to the waiting list deaths, Canada has seen a significant increase in euthanasia cases. The Ministry of Health reported 15,343 euthanasia deaths in 2023, accounting for 4.7% of all deaths in the country. Since the legalization of euthanasia in June 2016, at least 60,301 Canadians have chosen this option by the end of 2023.
“When the number of Canadians who die while on a waiting list for treatment is combined with the number of euthanasia deaths, the number of deaths is overwhelming. This data does not include deaths from medical error,” Alex Schadenberg said.
The intersection of prolonged wait times and euthanasia raises serious ethical concerns. Some patients, faced with indefinite waits for treatment, are choosing euthanasia as a last resort. This troubling trend highlights the urgent need for healthcare reform in Canada.
Just how many more people need to die? And how did this happen to Canada of all places?
