The impact of waiting for specialist care in Canada
64% Reported that waiting affected their lives.
66% Of those affected experienced worry, anxiety or stress.
36% Of those affected experienced pain.
32% Of those affected experienced difficulty with activities of daily living.
22% Of those affected reported deterioration in their health or condition.
83% Of those waiting at least three months said their lives were affected.
Source: Statistics Canada, 2024 Survey on Health Care Access and Experiences. The symptom percentages are among respondents whose lives were affected, not all patients waiting.
Approximately 1.2 million Albertans are waiting to see a specialist.
Source: Alberta Medical Association, State of Health Care Report 2026. Province-wide survey of 1,100 adults conducted May 12–19, 2026