Approximately one in 10 Canadians sees a healthcare specialist each year, with many patients reporting delays in accessing care. On average, Canadians reported waiting four weeks to see a specialist, according to surveys done in 2003 and 2005.

Although provinces and territories report wait times in different ways, information shows median wait times for non-emergency care have clearly declined for some services. For example:

• In British Columbia the wait time for cataract surgery has been reduced to 7.6 weeks from 9.9 weeks
• In Ontario the wait time for radiation for cancer care has been reduced to 4.4 weeks from 6.4 weeks
• In Alberta the wait time for hip replacement has been reduced to 12 weeks from 16 weeks and for knee replacement has dropped to 17 weeks from 22 weeks.

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