Canada – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Canada?

Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the two leading causes of death in Canada, jointly responsible for 43.7% of all deaths in 2023, up from 42.4% in 2022. For those planning a move to Canada, gaining an understanding of this chronic disease environment is valuable for making informed choices around preventive screening, day-to-day lifestyle, and the level of insurance coverage required.

In 2023, approximately 239,100 new cancer diagnoses were recorded across the country. Lung and bronchus cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer were the three most frequently diagnosed types. While breast cancer is the most prevalent form in women and prostate cancer in men, lung and bronchus cancer carries the highest mortality rate for both sexes.

The proportion of Canadians living with a diabetes diagnosis has climbed markedly over recent decades, reaching approximately 7.8% of the population in 2022, compared with just 4.6% in 2003. The condition is more common in men than women, and individuals aged 65 and older carry the highest rates across all age brackets.

The chronic conditions monitored at the national level include arthritis, elevated blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and mood disorders. Several of these conditions became more common between 2015 and 2021, with high blood pressure rising from 16.9% to 17.7%, heart disease from 4.4% to 4.9%, and obesity from 26.1% to 29.2%.

In 2023, the share of the population carrying one or more chronic diseases was notably elevated in the Atlantic provinces — reaching 59.0% in Newfoundland and Labrador — relative to the national average of 46.1% for Canada outside the territories. Communities with fewer than 10,000 residents also showed higher rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis than larger urban centres. Expats who plan to settle in smaller or more remote communities should take these regional patterns into account when planning their healthcare.

Mood and anxiety disorders are the most widespread forms of mental illness in Canada, accounting for three-quarters of all Canadians who access health services for a mental health condition. Consequently, mental health sits alongside physical chronic disease as one of the country’s foremost public health priorities.

Is Canada considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Canada is broadly regarded as one of the world’s healthiest nations, with life expectancy figures that compare favourably against international benchmarks. Even so, the overall picture conceals meaningful disparities between regions, income levels, and different communities — disparities that any person relocating to Canada would benefit from understanding.

Following three consecutive years of decline, Canada’s life expectancy at birth climbed from 81.3 years in 2022 to 81.7 years in 2023, according to the Statistics Canada Health of Canadians, 2024 report. Even with this improvement, the figure remains 0.5 years below the 82.2 years recorded in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gain was slightly more pronounced for males (+0.5 years, reaching 79.5 years) than for females (+0.4 years, reaching 83.9 years).

Across the country, British Columbia and Ontario record the highest life expectancy figures — in the mid-80s — while Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories report the lowest, in the low to mid-70s. This disparity reflects differences in socioeconomic conditions, geographic access to medical services, and lifestyle risk factors spread across Canada’s enormous landmass.

Certain groups — among them people living in northern, rural, or remote communities, low-income households, Indigenous Peoples, and older adults — continue to experience markedly worse health outcomes than the national average. A substantial gap in life expectancy remains between First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians; in 2011, this gap was widest between Inuit and non-Indigenous Canadians, at 11 years.

Having held steady at around 85% from 2017 to 2022, the proportion of Canadian adults who reported having a regular healthcare provider dropped to 82.8% in 2023. Expats attempting to register with a new physician should be prepared for this reality — in some provinces, waiting lists for a family doctor can stretch considerably. Up-to-date statistics are available through the Statistics Canada website or the WHO’s Canada country profile.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Canada?

Canada does not carry the tropical or endemic infectious disease burdens associated with many other regions of the world, and its food and water safety standards are consistently high. That said, there are particular infectious and environmental health hazards that new arrivals — especially those coming from tropical or subtropical regions — should familiarise themselves with before settling in.

Climate change is driving the geographic expansion of several infectious and vector-borne diseases in Canada, most notably Lyme disease. Transmitted by black-legged ticks, the disease is most frequently encountered in southern Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and parts of British Columbia and Quebec. Expats who plan to spend time outdoors — whether hiking, gardening, or camping — in these regions should apply insect repellent, wear appropriate protective clothing, and conduct thorough tick checks following any outdoor activity.

Seasonal respiratory infections — including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 — circulate extensively during the Canadian winter months. Annual influenza vaccination is widely accessible and actively encouraged by public health authorities throughout the country. Expats arriving from warmer climates may find that the intensity of Canadian winters exposes them to respiratory illnesses at a far greater rate than they experienced previously.

Canada’s updated Government STBBI (Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections) Action Plan (2024–2030) takes an integrated approach and aims to accelerate efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat these infections. HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are all recognised as ongoing public health priorities, particularly in certain communities.

Climate change also heightens risks from extreme heat and degraded air quality. Wildfires — increasingly frequent across British Columbia, Alberta, and the wider boreal forest — can trigger severe deterioration in air quality, sometimes affecting cities hundreds of kilometres from the actual fires. Those living with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD should keep a close watch on air quality notifications, which are accessible through the Government of Canada’s Air Quality Health Index.

No vaccinations are a legal requirement for entry into Canada, but the Public Health Agency of Canada advises all residents to ensure their routine immunisations are current, including protection against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and varicella. Expats are also encouraged to consult their home country’s travel health authority prior to departure for any additionally recommended vaccines, and to align with Canadian immunisation schedules once they have arrived. The Public Health Agency of Canada serves as the principal official source of guidance on these matters.

Is smoking common in Canada, and what are the laws around it?

As of 2024, 11.2% of Canadians aged 18 and older identify as current cigarette smokers, either on a daily or occasional basis — a proportion that has been falling consistently over several decades. By comparison, smoking rates in a number of European countries remain substantially higher, so expats arriving from heavier-smoking nations may be struck by how infrequently they encounter public smoking in Canadian cities.

Canada’s Tobacco Strategy (CTS) represents the current federal framework for tackling tobacco use, with an overarching aim of reducing tobacco use to below 5% by 2035. The Government committed $330 million over five years from 2018 and $66 million annually on an ongoing basis to support this objective.

The Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, passed on 23 May 2018, made it lawful for adults to purchase nicotine-containing vaping products as a less harmful substitute for conventional cigarettes. The Non-smokers’ Health Act regulates smoking and vaping in federally administered workplaces, including government buildings and commercial aircraft. Each province and territory additionally operates its own legislative framework governing smoking in public settings — encompassing bars, restaurants, enclosed workplaces, and, in the majority of jurisdictions, outdoor spaces adjacent to building entrances and playgrounds. In practical terms, smoking is prohibited indoors in virtually every public and commercial environment across the entire country.

Tobacco use remains a major preventable contributor to illness and premature death in Canada, with around 46,000 people dying from tobacco-related diseases annually. Prevailing public attitudes strongly favour smoke-free environments, and smoking in public carries a pronounced social stigma in most urban areas. Expats who smoke will find Canada’s regulatory environment considerably more restrictive than that of many other countries.

Youth vaping declined sharply, falling to 6% among those aged 12 to 17 in 2024 — a 60% drop from its peak in 2019. Concerns nonetheless persist regarding youth access to unregulated tobacco and vaping products through illegitimate retailers, particularly online channels.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Canada?

Diet-related illness and obesity represent growing public health challenges in Canada, and the overall trajectory has been moving in the wrong direction in recent years. Expats coming from countries where portion sizes tend to be smaller or diets are more plant-centred may notice meaningful differences in the typical Canadian food environment, especially outside major metropolitan areas.

The proportion of Canadian adults classified as obese increased from 26.1% in 2015 to 29.2% in 2021, according to Statistics Canada. The prevalence of overweight and obesity continues to rise in Canada, according to new results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey 2022 to 2024. These figures place Canada in broadly similar territory to other high-income countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom, though below the levels recorded in the United States.

The principal causes of death — including cancer and heart disease — along with other chronic conditions such as chronic respiratory disease and diabetes, share a set of modifiable behavioural risk factors: alcohol consumption, tobacco use, poor dietary habits, and physical inactivity. Tackling these lifestyle determinants sits at the heart of Canada’s public health agenda.

Smaller communities with populations below 10,000 residents show higher rates of obesity than their larger urban counterparts, illustrating the broader inequities in access to fresh produce, recreational infrastructure, and healthcare services that exist across Canada’s diverse geography.

The Government of Canada has published a redesigned Canada’s Food Guide, which moved away from previous recommendations centred on dairy and meat and instead embraces a more plant-forward dietary model built around whole foods, vegetables, fruits, and proteins drawn from a variety of sources. Public health initiatives additionally encourage regular physical activity, given the well-established connections between sedentary behaviour and chronic disease risk.

As the population continues to age, conditions such as diabetes and dementia are expected to become more prevalent, further underscoring the importance of dietary and lifestyle interventions both for the general Canadian population and for expats who want to preserve their long-term health following a move.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Canada?

Canada has made considerable progress in dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health over recent decades. Public awareness campaigns, workplace wellbeing initiatives, and candid public discourse about mental health mean that attitudes are generally open and non-judgmental compared to many other countries — although real challenges with service availability remain.

Mood and anxiety disorders are the most prevalent forms of mental illness in Canada, accounting for three-quarters of the Canadians who draw on health services for a mental health condition. These disorders also represent the primary driver of disability among working-age adults across the country.

Mental illnesses and related conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder remain a significant concern in Canada. Mental health support is accessible through both the public healthcare system and private providers. Under Canada’s publicly funded Medicare system, visits to a psychiatrist are ordinarily covered when arranged through a referral from a family doctor. Access to psychologists and therapists in the private sector, however, typically requires either out-of-pocket expenditure or private insurance, since psychological therapy is not universally funded through provincial health plans — in contrast, for example, to England’s NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, which offers subsidised talking therapies as a front-line treatment option.

Waiting times for publicly funded mental health care can be protracted, especially for specialist services. A practical early option for newly arrived expats is an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), offered by many employers, which typically includes a limited number of complimentary counselling sessions. Digital mental health platforms and community mental health centres may also provide more immediate access in certain parts of the country.

For expats navigating the upheaval of resettlement, the psychological challenges of relocation — including social isolation, cultural adjustment, language difficulties, and distance from family networks — can meaningfully affect mental wellbeing. Canada’s multicultural character means that culturally sensitive mental health support is increasingly available in major urban centres, and many practitioners offer services in languages beyond English and French. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) serves as a key national resource for information and support.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Canada?

Although Canada is a safe and well-regulated country to live in, expats encounter a number of particular health considerations during the transition to life there. The majority of these relate to the country’s climate, the process of registering for healthcare, and the psychological demands of adjustment rather than to unusual disease exposures.

Cold climate and seasonal adjustment. Canadian winters are severe by the standards of most countries, and cold-related health risks are genuine. Frostbite, hypothermia, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a depressive condition associated with the reduced daylight hours of winter — are all pertinent concerns for newcomers. Investing in proper winter gear from the outset and finding ways to remain physically active through the colder months can substantially reduce these risks.

Research on immigrant health in Canada has identified differences in perceived health by time since arrival: a higher percentage of immigrants admitted within the previous 10 years reported very good or excellent health (61.1%) compared with those who had been resident for more than 10 years (47.4%). This pattern — sometimes described as the “healthy immigrant effect” — indicates that health status tends to decline progressively for newcomers, potentially reflecting a gradual adoption of local dietary patterns and sedentary habits.

Healthcare registration. Every province and territory administers its own health insurance scheme, and most impose a waiting period of up to three months before newly arrived residents qualify for coverage. Expats must arrange private health insurance to fill this gap. Once eligible, securing registration with a family doctor as promptly as possible is strongly advisable, given that physician shortages across many areas mean waiting lists for a general practice can be lengthy. Walk-in clinics offer a practical alternative for non-urgent health needs in the interim.

Recommended steps for expats:

1. Research the health insurance waiting period in your specific province or territory and arrange bridging coverage before arriving.
2. Register with the provincial or territorial health authority as soon as you are eligible to receive your health card.
3. Find and register with a local family doctor or general practitioner early; use walk-in clinics in the interim.
4. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date and ask your doctor about any additional vaccines recommended in Canada (e.g. annual flu vaccine).
5. If you have pre-existing conditions, bring adequate supplies of medication and obtain letters from your home physician describing your diagnoses and treatment plans.
6. Obtain adequate private health insurance for dental care, vision, prescription drugs, and any services not covered by provincial plans.
7. Familiarise yourself with Lyme disease prevention if you will be spending time outdoors in endemic areas.
8. Monitor air quality alerts during wildfire season if you have respiratory conditions.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Canada?

Canada maintains a well-developed network of official health information sources at both the federal and provincial levels. The following are the key organisations and platforms to become familiar with before and after making your move.

• Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) — the federal body with primary responsibility for public health, infectious disease surveillance, health promotion, and emergency preparedness. It publishes authoritative guidance on vaccination schedules, Lyme disease, influenza, and a wide spectrum of other health topics.
• Health Canada — the federal department overseeing health policy, pharmaceutical regulation, food safety standards, and tobacco and vaping legislation. Its website offers extensive consumer health information on a broad range of subjects.
• Statistics Canada — Health — publishes annual and periodic population health reports, including the Health of Canadians series, which represents the most authoritative source of current data on chronic disease prevalence, life expectancy trends, and health-related behaviours.
• Provincial and territorial health ministries — each province and territory administers its own healthcare system. Their websites provide guidance on applying for a health card, locating a doctor, and accessing mental health services. Search for the ministry of health for your specific province (e.g. Ontario Ministry of Health, BC Ministry of Health).
• Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) — an independent body that produces data and in-depth analysis on healthcare systems, hospital performance, and health outcomes across Canada.
• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) — provides mental health information, local service directories, and crisis support throughout Canada.
• 211 Canada — a free helpline and online directory connecting individuals with local community and social services, including health-related resources, in many parts of the country. Accessible by phone or at 211.ca.

Specific statistics, vaccination requirements, and public health guidelines are subject to regular revision. Always verify the latest information directly with the official sources listed above, both before you depart and after you arrive. Your home country’s travel health authority — such as the NHS Fit for Travel service or the equivalent national health agency — may also offer Canada-specific pre-departure health advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Canada

Do I need any vaccinations before moving to Canada?

No vaccinations are legally required for entry into Canada. However, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends all residents be up to date with routine immunisations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, and varicella. An annual flu vaccine is also strongly recommended. Check with your home country’s travel health authority and a Canadian doctor after arrival for personalised advice.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Canada?

In most Canadian cities and towns, tap water is treated and considered safe to drink. However, some rural, remote, and Indigenous communities — particularly on First Nations reserves — have faced long-standing drinking water advisories. If you are living in or visiting a rural or remote area, check local advisories through the Government of Canada’s drinking water page before consuming tap water.

What is Lyme disease, and should I be worried about it in Canada?

Climate change is increasing the spread of Lyme disease in Canada. The disease is transmitted by black-legged (deer) ticks and is most common in parts of southern Ontario, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and British Columbia. It is preventable by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers in wooded or grassy areas, and checking for ticks after outdoor activity. Early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective if the disease is caught promptly.

How does Canada’s mental health system compare to other countries?

Canada has publicly funded psychiatry through referral, but most psychological therapy (e.g. CBT with a psychologist) requires private payment or private insurance. This contrasts with countries like the UK, where primary-care-level psychological therapies are available through the public system. Many Canadian employers offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) with limited free counselling sessions. Mental health stigma is relatively low in Canada and public awareness is high.

Will wildfire smoke affect my health in Canada?

Canada faces increasing risks from poor air quality linked to climate change, including from wildfires. During summer wildfire seasons — particularly in British Columbia, Alberta, and the northern territories — smoke can cause air quality to deteriorate significantly across wide areas. People with asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, or other respiratory conditions are most at risk. Monitor the Air Quality Health Index during wildfire events and follow public health guidance on indoor sheltering when needed.

Is there a waiting period for provincial health insurance as a new resident?

Yes — most Canadian provinces impose a waiting period before new residents are eligible for provincial health insurance (Medicare). This is typically up to three months but varies by province. During this period, you are responsible for any healthcare costs. It is essential to arrange private or travel health insurance to cover this gap. Once the waiting period ends, register with your provincial health authority promptly to receive your health card.

Is obesity a concern in Canada, and how does it compare internationally?

The prevalence of obesity among Canadian adults rose from 26.1% in 2015 to 29.2% in 2021. This places Canada broadly in line with other high-income nations such as Australia and the UK, though below the United States. Canada’s revised Food Guide (updated in 2019) promotes a plant-forward, whole-foods diet, and public health campaigns emphasise both nutrition and physical activity as key preventive measures.

Where should I go if I need urgent medical care but don’t yet have a family doctor?

If you need non-emergency medical care before you have registered with a family doctor, walk-in clinics (known as “walk-in medical clinics” or “urgent care clinics”) are widely available in Canadian cities and do not require an appointment. For serious emergencies, go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department (called “Emergency” or “ER”). In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. If you need health guidance over the phone, most provinces have nurse-staffed healthlines (such as 811 in many provinces) available around the clock.