The College of Family Physicians has released its discussion paper on wait times in primary care. Of note, approximately five million Canadians (17%) report they do not have a family doctor as their first point of contact when they need to access medical care. Of these, approximately two million (38%) have tried to find a family doctor in the past year, but failed.

Also, in two recent CFPC polls, the results confirm two-thirds of Canadians believe that the federal government’s focus on just five key areas for wait time management (cancer care, cardiac care, cataracts, hip-knee replacements and MRIs/CTs) is too restrictive and that other areas of equal or greater importance, such as children’s health and mental health also need support.

• Dr. Tom Bailey, President of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and practices Family Medicine and Maternity at St. Anthony’s Medical Centre in suburban Victoria