Hospitals across several provinces are reporting significant pressure on emergency departments and specialist services, prompting renewed concern about wait times and patient capacity.
March 8, 2024- Officials in Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia confirmed today that emergency rooms continue to experience high volumes, with some patients waiting hours before receiving care.
Health care workers say staffing shortages remain a major contributor. Many nurses and physicians have reported burnout, and hospitals have struggled to recruit new staff to fill vacancies. Ontario announced plans to increase funding for primary care teams, including nurse practitioner led clinics that can serve patients without a family doctor.
British Columbia highlighted its progress in streamlining the credential recognition process for internationally trained health professionals. The province recently launched accelerated programs to help qualified applicants join the workforce more quickly.
In Nova Scotia, officials focused on improving ambulance availability and transporting patients more efficiently. The province acknowledged that rural regions continue to face unique challenges due to geography and limited service options.
Unions are calling for wage increases and stronger retention programs. They argue that without improvements to working conditions, recruitment efforts will fall short and wait times will continue to rise. Some policy experts have suggested integrating innovative service delivery models, while others warn that expanding private care could increase inequality.
The federal government has been working with provinces under the ten year health accord that allocates new funding for digital modernization, mental health, primary care, and workforce development. Provinces say they expect to provide updated plans on how the funding will be used.
Today’s reports from provincial health ministries underscore the urgent need for systemic improvements. Patients continue to face long waits in many parts of the country, and providers say meaningful change will require sustained coordination across all levels of government.