What do Canadians think about public and private health care?
The more Albertans and other Canadians learn about Alberta’s two-tier health care law, the more they oppose it. That’s one key finding of an Abacus Data poll, commissioned by the Canadian Health Coalition.
The poll released in August shows Canadians are concerned about the public health care system, but they do not support two-tier, U.S.-style health care as a solution.
Andrew Longhurst, senior researcher with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, shared nine key takeaways of the poll at a webinar hosted by the Canadian Health Coalition’s Anne Lagacé Dowson on September 23.
1. Most Canadians are concerned about the future of public health care
91% of Canadians are concerned about the future of Canada’s public health care system, including 47% who are very concerned. In Alberta, 53% are very concerned.
2. Long ER waits, workforce shortages, and access to providers are major concerns
Emergency room delays (73%) and health care worker shortages (72%) top the list of major concerns, followed by wait times to see medical professionals (68%).
3. Universal public health care is a core value in Alberta and across Canada
85% of Canadians agree that universal health care based on a person’s need, not how much money they have, is a core Canadian value. That rises to 86% in Alberta. 80% agree the public system can meet Canadians’ needs if governments invest more in it. Only 23% say corporations and doctors should have the unrestricted ability to charge patients.
4. Alberta’s U.S.-style reforms are advancing with very little public understanding
Only 22% of Canadians say they understand Bill 11 well. That’s 42% in Alberta and just 20% elsewhere in Canada.
5. Once Bill 11 is explained, the majority oppose it
After reading a description of the bill, Canadians are nearly twice as likely to oppose it (53%) as to support it (32%).
6. Canadians are concerned about U.S.-style, private-pay health care spreading to other provinces
74% of Canadians are concerned about Bill 11 expanding or similar policies being adopted in other provinces. In Alberta, 76% are concerned about Bill 11 remaining in place and expanding.
7. Alberta women, lower-income households, and even United Conservative voters are concerned about Bill 11
78% of Albertans are concerned about Bill 11 remaining in place and expanding. That includes 84% of women, 84% of households earning under $50,000, and 63% of UCP voters.
8. Canadians are concerned about every consequence of Bill 11 that was tested
The top concerns are higher health care costs for patients (85%), unequal access based on income (83%), and the added cost of private health insurance (83%). 80% are concerned about Canada moving toward a system more like the U.S.
9. Canadians and Albertans strongly favour public solutions to reduce wait times
Asked to pick the three most effective ways to reduce wait times, Canadians chose hiring more health care workers (65%) and investing more in the public system (53%), well ahead of allowing private clinics to provide more services (23%). Albertans answered the same way: 68% chose hiring more workers, 57% chose public investment, and 24% chose private clinics.
To learn more about how to join the fight against two-tier, U.S.-style health care, visit the Canadian Health Coalition’s page of information and ways to take action.
