What 2025 told us about the state of health care in Canada

Press Release

December 11, 2025

This was a changing year in health care — in Canada and around the world. We saw critical cuts to health care funding south of the border, real impacts from the rise of misinformation and innovative new technologies. Here’s what we learned from 2025 and how we can move forward for better care.

1. Canadians agree: health care is key to a stronger country

Amid economic uncertainty, as well as threats to Canadian sovereignty, one thing remains clear —  Canadians care about health care. A survey conducted by Abacus Data for the CMA in July found that 89% of people living in Canada believe improving access to our universal health system should be a key priority in building a stronger country. Right now, almost six million patients don’t have access to regular primary care and in some communities many struggle to find emergency care.

2. Learning how to navigate AI in health care is no longer optional

The role of AI in health care is still evolving, but we need to be realistic about the benefits and risks. AI is already helping physicians manage administrative tasks such as notetaking, for example, but as CMA President Margot Burnell puts it, “AI must be integrated into health care within a well-defined ethical framework” to protect both health care workers and patients.

3. We need to stand up for science if we want to fight false health information

In January, the CMA’s Health and Media Tracking Survey found that 78% of people in Canada are either highly or moderately susceptible to believing misinformation. And 37% are looking for health advice online due to a lack of access to care. Already, we can see dire consequences, including Canada’s losing its measles elimination status. The best way to fight back is to improve the quality and quantity of evidence-based health information through initiatives like the CMA’s Healthcare for Real channels and partnerships with media organizations.

4. It’s been five years since the COVID-19 pandemic, but doctors in Canada are still struggling with burnout

We can’t have a thriving health care system without healthy doctors, and preliminary data from the 2025 National Physician Health Survey (NPHS) shows they are still struggling with excessive workloads, exhaustion and burnout. At this year’s Canadian Conference on Physician Health, however, nearly 400 health professionals talked about solutions, from systemic changes to finding a “fire-team partner” to addressing a culture of shame in medicine.

5. Reconciliation in health care must be a priority

Indigenous Peoples in Canada continue to experience disproportionately poor health outcomes and racism in care. One year after the CMA’s apology for its role, and the role of the medical profession, in past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in the health system, we continue our journey of reconciliation. During the 2025 federal election, the CMA joined Indigenous partners in advocating for political commitments to support Indigenous-led health care reform Opens in a new window, re-introduce the First Nations Clean Water Act and the Connected Care for Canadians Act, which reaffirms Indigenous Peoples’control over what and how information is collected about their health.

ILR5