Quote"Waiting for treatment has become a defining characteristic of Canadian health care."
Having been referred to a couple of specialists, I can say I haven't had to wait anywhere near the times listed. I also had an ultrasound recently and just walked in to the clinic, took a seat and shortly after had the ultrasound. No appointment needed. I have done the same for X-rays. I have also had an endoscope to examine my bladder, again without much of a wait, but I did have an appointment. Also, the system can move very quickly in emergency situations, as expected. New Brunswick is one area of the country that has a problem getting/keeping doctors, so that may be part of the problem there. However, that may just be part of a general problem where many doctors don't want to practice in smaller, rural or remote areas.
BTW, that Fraser Institute is a hard right wing organization that has long had an agenda against any sort of social programs. It's almost as bad a relying on Breibart News for social policy. So, take what they say with a huge chunk of salt.
Regardless, there may be long booking times. For example I schedule my physicals well in advance, because I'm currently in the doctors office for one. I just book the next one while I'm there. I recently arranged for my annual optometrist visit. My date was determined by being a year from my last one, not by when they could squeeze me in. Also, while my physician books appointments, she also has walk in clinics twice a week and I have even walked in and been seen during the booked appointment time. So, you have to understand why I have difficulty believing those claims of long waits before being seen. It's simply not been my experience. On the other hand, I've never faced bankruptcy to pay medical expenses.
BTW, GCS is covered here under our health care.
