Canada’s primary care crisis: Federal government response

Abstract

Primary healthcare in Canada is in crisis. One in six Canadians lack a regular family physician and less than half of Canadians are able to see a primary care provider on the same or next day. The consequences are significant in terms of the stress and anxiety foisted upon Canadians in need of care, including limited diagnoses and referrals for potentially life-threatening conditions. This article explores options for the federal government to take a more hands-on role responding to the present crisis that are constitutionally compliant: investments in virtual care; additional funding for primary care tied to a strengthened condition of reasonable access within the Canada Health Act; a federally-funded direct incentive scheme to lure back providers who have left due to burnout; and the establishment of a commission for access and quality in primary care.