The Canadian Medical Association recently released a draft policy arguing that the federal government should crack down on private healthcare, minimizing the role that employer-funded care plays in reducing the strain on the current public health system.

The CMA claims its members support this perspective. However, the CMA’s own data contradicts its position: the majority of physicians (56%) and Canadians (53%) supported patients’ right to pay for health services when the public system cannot provide timely access.

The CMA’s mission is to support doctors and ensure Canadians can access care. Through its policy recommendations, the CMA is disregarding how doctors are choosing to use their excess capacity to help more patients across the country through virtual care options. Without presenting a viable solution, the CMA suggests thrusting millions of Canadians who rely on this care into an already overwhelmed public system. 

We’re advocating for the Canadian Medical Association to show leadership and reverse its position on private virtual care coverage.

Whereas:

• 56% of Canadian Medical Association (CMA) members voiced support for Canadians’ right to access private care when the public system cannot deliver timely access;
• 10 million Canadians currently have access to primary care through their workplace virtual care benefits;
• Numerous organizations, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which represents Canadian businesses, have stated their objection to this policy position on behalf of workers;
• The CMA is neglecting its responsibility to represent its doctors by advocating for a policy that casts aside the opinion of the majority of its members;
• The CMA’s policy would remove one of the only lifelines to care for the 6.5 million Canadians who do not have access to a family doctor.

We, the undersigned physicians and members of the CMA, call upon the CMA Board of Directors and Executive Leadership team to:

1. Reverse the CMA’s opposition to private virtual care benefits; and
2. Advocate for support for private insurance benefits that provide greater access to non-urgent primary care through virtual care, which is in keeping with the opinion of the majority of CMA members.