Canada's ER Doctor Shortage and New Health‑Care Handbook

A national survey of Canadian emergency physicians published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that 10% of respondents had left emergency medicine, while almost half of those still practising had reduced their clinical hours since the pandemic. High burnout was reported by 65.2% of participants. The departures and reduced staffing are contributing to longer wait times, more patient transfers and increased pressure on already crowded emergency departments across Canada.

At the same time, former Manitoba cabinet secretary and former Ontario deputy minister of health Michael Decter, together with patient advocate Mike McCarthy, released *The Canadian Health Care Guerrilla Handbook*. The 217‑page guide offers step‑by‑step tools for Canadians to obtain a family doctor, diagnostic tests, specialist referrals, medications, long‑term and home care, and mental‑health services, aiming to help patients navigate the fragmented health‑care system.

Both pieces underscore systemic challenges in Canada’s health‑care delivery, from physician shortages and burnout in emergency rooms to the need for clearer patient navigation resources.