Primary Care
Primary care is the foundation of Canada’s health system, yet across the country, one in five people (6.5 million) do not have access to a family physician or nurse practitioner. These gaps leave significant portions of the population, especially those in marginalized communities, without the care they need to stay healthy. Without timely, accessible primary care, health outcomes worsen and system pressures mount.
Nearly 17% of adults report having no regular primary care provider. Indigenous peoples, rural communities, newcomers, and low‑income populations face the greatest barriers, waiting weeks for appointments, traveling long distances for care, or waiting up to 5 years in search of a provider. This inequitable access proves an urgent need to strengthen Canada’s primary care system.
CHCs are central to the solution. They provide team‑based, barrier‑free, and culturally responsive primary care to those historically left behind. CHCs deliver care that addresses both clinical and social needs, ensuring prevention, continuity, and community connection. Sustained investment is needed to stabilize this essential sector and ensure equitable access to care for all.
