New data obtained by SecondStreet.org shows 332 patients died during the 2023-24 fiscal year in Quebec’s Capital Region (Capitale-Nationale) while awaiting surgery or diagnostic scans. These figures contribute to a national total of at least 15,806 Canadians who died on health care waitlists during the same period.

The data, collected through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, highlights the ongoing challenges within Canada’s health care system. These numbers represent patients with health care needs as routine as cataract treatment, and as complex as implanting a pacemaker. 

“This data is a snapshot, and is far from telling the whole story in Quebec. Unfortunately, other health regions in the province didn’t respond or indicated they don’t collect the data,” said Harrison Fleming, Legislative and Policy Director at SecondStreet.org. “With over 300 waitlist deaths in the Capital region alone, it’s clear Quebecers deserve to know the whole story.”

Since 2018-19, SecondStreet.org has gathered government data showing at least 75,010 Canadians have died while waiting for medical procedures or diagnostic tests.

“Thousands are dying every year, and Canadians can’t even trust their governments to report the numbers,” added SecondStreet.org Communications Director Dom Lucyk. “It’s great to see areas like this region of Quebec come forward with data, but thousands of deaths are likely still unaccounted for, thanks to a lack of transparency in government.”

To view the FOI response – click here.