Who handles healthcare?
Healthcare
Healthcare in Canada is a shared responsibility.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Healthcare funding through Canada Health Transfer
- ● Indigenous health services (First Nations and Inuit Health Branch)
- ● Quarantine and border health measures
- ● Veterans healthcare
- ● Public health emergencies and pandemics
💡 Example: Contact your MP about federal healthcare funding priorities, or reach Health Canada about drug safety concerns.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Physician and nurse licensing
- ● Wait times and healthcare delivery
- ● Mental health services and programs
💡 Example: Contact your provincial health ministry about wait times, or file a complaint with the provincial college of physicians about a healthcare provider.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Public health units and inspections
- ● Community health centres
💡 Example: Contact your local public health unit about food safety inspections or community health programs.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved in Healthcare Issues
Healthcare is a fundamental right for all Canadians. You can advocate for better healthcare access, reduced wait times, and improved services by taking these steps:
- ● Contact your MP about federal healthcare funding, pharmacare, or public health emergencies
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local public health programs and community health centres
Ready to Take Action?
Use MyCivicVoice to find your representatives and draft a letter about the issues that matter to you.
Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Healthcare is publicly funded through taxes, so there is no direct charge at the point of service for medically necessary hospital and doctor services. However, prescription drugs, dental care, and vision care are generally not covered by provincial plans.
Apply through your province's health ministry after establishing residency. You typically need proof of identity, residency, and citizenship/immigration status. Processing times vary by province.
Most provincial plans do not cover prescription drugs outside of hospitals. Many Canadians use private insurance through employers, or provincial pharmacare programs for seniors and low-income residents.
You can see any doctor who is registered with your provincial health plan. However, you generally need to be registered with a family doctor or walk-in clinic for ongoing care.
The Canada Health Act sets national principles for healthcare: public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability, and accessibility. Provinces must follow these principles to receive federal healthcare funding.