Canada considers maximum waiting times for patients

Canada's public health system should establish maximum waiting periods and pay for treatment outside the system—even in other countries—if the treatment cannot be provided within such periods in Canada, the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology has recommended.

The committee's review of the public healthcare system, published in volume 5 of The Health of Canadians—The Federal Role on 18 April, warned that the current structure was not fiscally sustainable and that federal funding should be increased to allow for restructuring.

Senator …