COMMENTARY: Why health care should be the ballot box issue this election – CMA

March 27, 2025

Canadians have a lot to worry about right now. We read daily news stories daily about the lack of affordable housing and the economic pain that will come from U.S. tariffs. Even our sovereignty feels at risk.

But as we vote in the government that will see us through this unprecedented time, health care must be core to its agenda.

According to polls shared by Abacus Data at the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) recent federal election town hall, the rising cost of living is the top issue on voters’ minds (61%), followed by the Trump administration (39%) and health care (38%).

Economic pressures are real. And they affect health. Many Canadians already forgo medication because of the cost. People concerned about losing their jobs may think twice about taking time off to go to a doctor’s appointment or recover from illness. Income is the No. 1 social determinant of health. When our income is threatened, so too is our health.