News
Canadians agree: There is no replacement for a family physician
2025-03-06
(Mississauga, ON) At a time when over six million people in Canada don’t have a regular family doctor, a College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)-commissioned survey by Nanos Research reinforces that family doctors are highly valued by Canadians as an irreplaceable partner in health care. Patient satisfaction hit a new high in 2025 (84 per cent rating it seven to 10 out of 10, compared to 77 per cent in 2023, and 75 per cent 2021). These data reflect the incredible work of family doctors across Canada, providing high quality care even as they report being burnt out and stretched beyond capacity.
Patients are significantly more comfortable receiving care from family doctors they know* and primary care teams that feature family physician expertise, versus a non-physician care provider. This difference in comfort level is notable for:
- Minor health concerns (e.g., respiratory infection) (80 per cent* vs. 45 per cent comfortable)
- Major health concerns (e.g., cancer) (70 per cent* vs. 21 per cent)
- Diagnosis of new health concerns (74 per cent* vs. 27 per cent)
- Creation of a treatment plan for a new health condition (76 per cent* vs. 30 per cent)
An overwhelming majority of patients (90 per cent) agree that the federal government must take more action to make sure that everyone in Canada has access to a family doctor, including reducing the amount of administrative burden weighing on family doctors. A majority of Canadians (81 per cent) consider access to family doctors an important factor in their voting decision in the 2025 federal election.
These data reinforce the unique and foundational value of family doctors and the need to support them in caring for Canadians. Ensuring fair remuneration, reducing administrative burden, and supporting family physician-led team-based care must be prioritized to recruit and retain a strong family physician workforce.
“There is no substitute for family doctors and the foundational value they bring to Canada’s health care system, providing continuous and comprehensive patient care and clinical leadership in team-based settings,” said CFPC President, Dr, Carrie Bernard. “Canadians are unequivocal in their support for family doctors, wanting care provided by a family doctor. Governments must invest in family physicians today.”
The CFPC commissioned Nanos Research to conduct a survey of over 2,000 Canadians in February 2025 to assess their view on the current state of Canada’s health care system and their experience with family doctors.
About the College of Family Physicians of Canada
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) is the professional organization that represents more than 47,000 members across the country. The College establishes the standards for and accredits postgraduate family medicine training in Canada’s 17 medical schools. It reviews and certifies continuing professional development programs and materials that enable family physicians to meet certification and licensing requirements.The CFPC provides high-quality services, supports family medicine teaching and research, and advocates on behalf of the specialty of family medicine, family physicians, and the patients they serve.
Contact
Courtny Vaz
Marketing and Communications Client Liaison
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
Tel: +1-905-629-0900 ext. 573
Email: [email protected]
