An August poll by research institute Angus Reid shows British Columbians have some of the worst access to family doctors in Canada.
Nationally, about one in five Canadian adults are without a regular physician, according to the 2,279 people polled. In B.C., however, that number jumps to 26 per cent, a rate matched only by Quebec. Saskatchewan and Ontario have the lowest rates at 14 per cent each.
Even among those with a family doctor, seeing them remains difficult, the poll suggests. Just seven per cent of B.C. adults said they have easy access to their physician. Another 36 per cent described access as “difficult” and 31 per cent as “okay.”
On average in Canada, the situation is slightly better. About 14 per cent of people say they have easy access, 33 per cent say it’s difficult and another 33 per cent say it’s okay.
A September 2022 chart from the Angus Reid Institute shows a breakdown of access to family doctors in Canada by province. (Credit: Angus Reid Institute)
Wait times to get an appointment are also an issue. Almost half (48 per cent) of B.C. poll respondents said they have to wait at least a week to get in to see their doctor. Another 42 per cent said it takes at least a few days, and just 10 per cent said they can see their doctor within a day or two. Nationally, 18 per cent said they can get in within the latter time frame.
