Canadians remain divided on expanding privatization in health-care system: poll

As health-care negotiations continue between premiers and the federal government, a new survey suggests Canadians are divided on the prospect of more privatization in the health system.

As health-care negotiations continue between premiers and the federal government, a new survey suggests Canadians are divided on the prospect of more privatization in the health system.

According to the survey conducted by Angus Reid, 39 per cent of Canadians are "public health purists," which means they'd like little to no private-sector involvement in health care, while 28 per cent say increasing privatization is necessary.

In the middle, 33 per cent said they were "curious, but hesitant" and are on the fence. This group believes the private sector could play a role in certain circumstances, but has concerns over the staffing shortages in the public system and access for low-income Canadians.

Among NDP voters, 68 per cent were public health purists while 52 per cent of Liberal voters held this position. Conservative voters, on the other hand, were more likely to be pro-private care (50 per cent).

In addition, 47 per cent of Ontarians identified as a public health purist, making Ontario more likely than any other province to oppose privatization. Angus Reid says this may be a response to "recent developments" in the province. Last Tuesday, the province tabled a bill to allow more private clinics to provide taxpayer-funded surgeries in an effort to clear the backlogs in the public system.

Meanwhile, people in Saskatchewan (40 per cent) and Alberta (36 per cent) were more likely to support privatization.

In addition, 45 per cent of respondents said they worry private care would only worsen the system, while 36 per cent said privatization would improve it. In Ontario, 53 per cent said private care would worsen the system, more than any other province.