As Canadians get ready to vote on April 28, one thing is clear—health care is on everyone’s mind. Whether it’s the family doctor shortage, packed ERs, or rising wait times, people want solutions, not more political talk. And while provinces technically run health care, Ottawa has a massive role to play. So the real question is: what are federal leaders going to do about it?
Where Are the Family Doctors?
Trying to find a family doctor in Canada feels like winning the lottery—except way less fun. About 6.5 million Canadians don’t have one, and that number keeps growing. That means more people relying on walk-in clinics or overcrowded emergency rooms for basic care.
The federal government can’t just shrug this off. They need to step up by increasing medical school spots, making it easier for internationally trained doctors to work here, and recruiting doctors from other countries. It’s doable. But will they actually do it?
The Untapped Power of Nurse Practitioners
Here’s something wild—Canada has over 10,000 nurse practitioners, but we’re not using them properly. These highly trained professionals could take on a lot of the workload that’s overwhelming doctors, but outdated rules keep them on the sidelines.
The federal government has the power to push provinces to use nurse practitioners to their full potential. Instead of asking, “Does every Canadian need a family doctor?” we should be asking, “Does every Canadian have access to the right health-care provider?”
Social Prescribing: A Simple Fix That Works
Not all health issues need a doctor. Sometimes, what people really need is community support. That’s where social prescribing comes in—it connects people with programs like fitness classes, art groups, or social activities to improve mental and physical health.
The U.K. has a minister of loneliness. Japan has laws to fight social isolation. Meanwhile, in Canada, most social prescribing programs are run on donations. It’s time for the federal government to back this with real funding. The results speak for themselves: happier, healthier people and fewer unnecessary trips to the doctor.
A Smarter Approach to the Substance Use Crisis
Canada’s overdose crisis has been going on for over a decade, and we’re still treating it like a temporary problem. People are dying, and politicians keep arguing over short-term fixes instead of real, long-term strategies.
We need to focus on prevention—teaching young people about substance use before they get caught in the cycle. The best way to fight addiction is to stop it before it starts. The evidence is there. Will the next government finally pay attention?
Reproductive Rights: A Line in the Sand
With abortion rights being stripped away in the U.S., Canada can’t afford to be passive. Access to reproductive health care isn’t just about politics—it’s about fundamental rights. Women make up more than half of Canada’s population. Their health needs to be a priority, not an afterthought.
Some leaders have been clear about their stance. Others? Not so much. Voters need real answers. Are candidates committed to protecting women’s rights, or are they just hoping no one asks?
Fighting Health Misinformation
Misinformation is everywhere—especially online. It’s fueling vaccine hesitancy, spreading fear about medical treatments, and making it harder for people to trust health professionals.
The federal government can’t just sit back and hope for the best. They need to take an active role in making sure people have access to reliable, science-based information. Whether it’s through stronger regulations on online platforms or better public health campaigns, something has to change.
Canadians are fed up. They don’t want more excuses or empty promises—they want real action on health care. This election is a chance to demand better. Health care isn’t just a talking point; it’s a dealbreaker.
Come April 28, the choice will be in our hands. Let’s make it count.
