As the election nears, health care and economic issues have pushed their way to the forefront of political debate. Health care is a nonpartisan sacred Canadian cow. The federal government has an important role to play in this arena, both by setting national standards for Medicare and through their role as the largest funder of health funding. This involvement extends to accountability measures for provinces and territories, ensuring that health care remains accessible and efficient for all Canadians. All voters, however, are contending with urgent realities about the economy. These issues particularly concern them, affordable housing, the effects of U.S. tariffs and increased cost of living. For many voters, the lost track record of the Trump administration remains a major liability.
Health Care System Faces Challenges
Although health care is still seen as a core Canadian value, so many Canadians continue to struggle to get the care they need. Currently, nearly one in three Canadians—including 6.5 million Canadians—do not have a family doctor. This reality highlights an urgent need in our healthcare system. The exorbitant price of drugs is driving American families to forego treatment required for their basic health. This exacerbates their conditions and creates additional burden on the already-strained healthcare system.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is actively advocating for solutions to these pressing issues. They advocate for expanding coordinated, team-based primary care as an effective way to improve quality and access to services. Additionally, helping qualified internationally trained physicians work where they are needed could address the shortage of family doctors and improve overall care availability.
Economic Concerns Weigh Heavily
Outside of health care, economic issues are at the top of voters’ minds. The lack of attainable housing remains a long-standing emergency that’s impacting everyday lives for millions of Canadians. Now, U.S. tariffs are making bad conditions even worse. Second, they threaten to impose economic pain by using the tools of trade disruption to destabilize the market.
The increased cost of living adds to these economic concerns, as most Canadians are anxious about their inability to afford day-to-day life. These economic pressures are changing the public’s priorities and election landscape.
Political Implications
This interconnectedness of health care and economic issues only further emphasizes how crucial these issues are to the upcoming election. These voters expect FIRE leaders who are up to the challenge. If anything, they want more than us—they want a robust health care system and economic stability. The federal government's role in setting health care standards and providing funding is seen as pivotal in achieving these goals.
