12/21/2025
Thousands died waiting for medical care in Canada.
A troubling new report has revealed that more than 23,700 Canadians died last year while waiting for medical treatment. According to research from SecondStreet.org, at least 23,746 patients passed away between April 2024 and March 2025 before receiving scheduled surgeries or even basic diagnostic scans.
Ontario recorded the highest number, with over 10,600 deaths, including more than 9,100 people who died before getting a diagnostic scan. These delays affected critical areas such as heart surgery, cancer treatment, and routine procedures despite record-high healthcare spending.
Researchers warn that the real toll may be significantly higher due to missing or incomplete data. The findings have reignited debate over wait times, system capacity, and accountability within Canada’s healthcare system, raising urgent questions about access to timely care.
Alarming health care systems in Canada
