Majority of Canadians believe COVID-19 pandemic has transformed health care system in Canada

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TORONTO — In a recent survey of Canadians to gather their views on the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, 93% of respondents said that they were concerned about the impact it would have on the Canadian health care system. Nearly all survey respondents (95%) said that the health and wellness of physicians impacts the health of all Canadians.

Scotiabank, in partnership with the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and MD Financial Management Inc. (MD), announced the creation of the Physician Wellness+ Initiative, with $15 million targeted to address the urgent and ongoing health and wellness needs of physicians and medical learners.

“COVID-19 has impacted our communities from coast to coast, and physicians stand at the centre of our country’s ability to respond,” said Glen Gowland, group head, global wealth management at Scotiabank, in a prepared statement. “Scotiabank is proud to have made contributions that will help alleviate challenges posed by COVID-19 and to now contribute additional longer-term funding to support the health and wellness of the medical profession.”

“For more than half a century, MD has proudly supported physicians so they can better focus on their critical role: looking after the health of Canadians,” said Daniel Labonté, President and CEO, MD. “Canadian physicians work to an exceptional standard, and we are pleased to stand behind the Physician Wellness+ Initiative.”