Although most provinces saw increases in physician numbers between 2023 and 2024, population growth outpaced supply (3.3 percent vs. 1.9 percent), resulting in reduced access rates for Canadians. Even in provinces where physician growth surpassed population growth, such as Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia, attachment to a regular provider did not significantly improve. In fact, in some cases, it deteriorated, suggesting that increasing the number of family physicians alone is not sufficient to enhance attachment rates.
To learn more about the issue and how to address the primary care access gap, see this C.D. Howe Institute report.
Sources: Canadian Institute for Health Information. Supply, Distribution and Migration of Physicians in Canada, 2024 — Data Tables. Canadian Community Health Survey and Population Estimates, Statistics Canada.
