Canada needs a plan to tackle our rural healthcare crisis

The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) is calling for urgent action to address the growing healthcare crisis in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Emergency rooms are closing, rural doctors are stretched too thin, and patients are being forced to travel long distances for basic care.

Key issues nationally
868 rural ER closures in Ontario alone in 2023
Many rural hospitals forced to offer only virtual physician access
Critical gaps in obstetrical and surgical services

Key issues in British Columbia
Over 800 hours of ER diversions in northern B.C. in just seven months with 107 hours in August 2024 alone.
Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt had 40 ER closures in 2023-24, with the mayor estimating $200,000 of services not provided
In July and August 2024, Interior Health experienced nearly 60 ER closures due to staffing shortages.

SRPC is calling for immediate federal action, including:
✅ A national rural health workforce strategy
✅ Funding for recruitment, retention, and rural physician training
✅ Federal tax incentives for healthcare providers working in rural areas
✅ Pan-Canadian licensure to improve mobility for rural doctors

Without swift action, rural healthcare will continue to decline, affecting people in all communities—rural and urban alike.

Read more about SRPC’s strategic priorities and how Canada can fix rural healthcare before it’s too late: SRPC Briefing Note