Wait Times Rise Despite Ontario's Push to Private Surgeries

A recent study indicates that outsourcing surgeries and imaging to private, for-profit clinics in Ontario has not reduced wait times for most procedures. Data from 2017 to 2025 shows median wait times for eight of twelve priority procedures, including cataract surgeries and MRI scans, have actually increased. For instance, cataract surgery wait times rose from 67 to 68 days, while MRI wait times climbed by 35 percent to 47 days.

The study found that despite a relatively small share of total surgeries being outsourced, the volume of publicly funded procedures at these private facilities grew significantly. In 2024-25, Ontario spent approximately $674 million on for-profit surgical and imaging services, a substantial increase from previous years. This growing privatization of health services comes as public hospitals face funding shortages.

Government officials have disputed the study's findings, stating that their investments have led to record funding and reduced wait times for critical surgeries. They claim the expansion of publicly funded procedures in community centers has helped thousands more patients receive care annually.

However, the report highlights that privatization is becoming more entrenched following Bill 60. It argues that public hospitals are underfunded, with projected spending insufficient to meet rising costs and population needs. The report recommends increased hospital funding, centralized wait lists, and support for public sector innovations.