Canada’s population is booming — access to family doctors hasn’t kept pace – CBC

Canada added just 167 medical residencies in 10 years, while the population has grown by 5 million

Jan 22, 2024

Canada is going through an unprecedented growth spurt, having added well over a million people last year after a similarly historic intake in 2022.

Some economists have argued this record-setting surge could be a boon to an economy heavily dependent on immigration. A recent Desjardins report cautioned the federal government against slamming the door on non-permanent residents like students and temporary workers, who make up most of the recent newcomers.

But this breakneck pace is bringing with it some major growing pains — particularly in a health-care sector perpetually starved for resources.

The country isn’t producing nearly enough homegrown primary care doctors to keep up with the country’s health needs, said Dr. Kathleen Ross, a B.C. family doctor and president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-popuation-booming-family-doctor-access-1.7087794