Most Canadians Fear For The Future Of Health Care As Population Ages
Posted August 23, 2010 9:37 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new report finds most Canadians are fearful about the future costs and quality of health care in Canada.
Pollster Ipsos Reid gathered public opinion for the Canadian Medical Association’s annual report card on health care.
More than three-thousand Canadians were asked about their perceptions and expectations of long-term health and health-care needs. The report says 80 per cent of Canadians were concerned health-care quality will decline due to the strain on the system caused by aging baby boomers.
More than three-quarters of those polled also worry the system won’t be able to offer the same level of coverage as boomers reach retirement age.
Roughly the same proportion fear they won’t have enough money to maintain their own health as they age. That tops concerns over being able to afford retirement and losing a job.
CMA president Doctor Anne Doig says the report sends a clear signal to decision-makers that Canadians want an open dialogue on the tough issues in health care.
