The Decibel Canada’s emergency room crisis is worse than we thought
Jul 7, 2025
Kelly Grant and Tu Thanh Ha, both investigative reporters at The Globe and Mail, delve into the alarming rise of emergency room closures across Canada, particularly in rural areas. They share gripping personal stories showcasing the dangers posed to communities, especially post-pandemic. The conversation highlights staffing shortages and the pressing need for accessible healthcare. They also discuss innovative local solutions, like recruiting healthcare workers from abroad and community-led initiatives to combat this crisis, illuminating paths forward in a challenging landscape.
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Staffing Crisis Fueled ER Closures
- The chronic challenge is attracting and retaining healthcare workers in remote areas.
- The pandemic worsened staffing as many health workers retired early or moved to larger cities.
Manitoba's Extensive ER Closures
- In Manitoba, many hospitals had ERs closed 80-90% of the year.
- Residents drive one hour to alternative ERs, often crowded and inconvenient.
Emergency at a Closed ER
- A woman in Alberta fainted outside a closed ER and had to be airlifted 500 km for surgery.
- This shows that people sometimes seek emergency care at closed hospitals out of urgency.