Taking the pulse: A snapshot of Canadian health care, 2023
The COVID-19 pandemic and our growing population have placed enormous strain on Canada’s health care systems. In early 2023, the Government of Canada and the provincial and territorial governmentsFootnote i agreed to work together to improve health care in 4 priority areas and to report annually to Canadians. This first report is a snapshot of where we are today.
Snapshot of health care priorities
Read about how the Government of Canada and the provincial and territorial governmentsFootnote i are working together to improve Canadian health care in 4 priority areas.
Primary health care
Learn how many Canadians age 12 and older report regular access to a health care provider and what factors present barriers to accessing primary care for people in Canada.
Resilient health systems
Learn about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canada’s supply of health care workers and on surgical backlogs.
Mental health and substance use
Learn about services for young people, whether Canadians’ needs for mental health care are being met and about wait times for mental health counselling.
Secure sharing of electronic health information
Find out the proportions of patients and doctors in Canada who use electronic health information, and why digital tools lead to better results.
Indigenous health
Learn about the government’s commitment to working with Indigenous partners to invest in Indigenous health priorities, and about CIHI’s approach to Indigenous health data.
Footnote
i.
Quebec is not participating in the joint reporting exercise stemming from A Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities.
How to cite:
Canadian Institute for Health Information. Taking the pulse: A snapshot of Canadian health care, 2023. Accessed April 24, 2025.
If you would like CIHI information in a different format, visit our Accessibility page.