wait times

Opinion: Long wait times have become the defining characteristic of Canadian health care

The Conservatives’ response is dead on arrival

A major international survey says Canadians wait longer for health care

Waiting could soon become a thing of the past. A new Canadian technology venture, called Blink Connect, seeks to eliminate “waiting-line frustration” with the use of a Web-based text messaging system. Rather than sit in a doctor’s waiting room or pace a restaurant parking lot, patrons receive a text message exactly when it’s their turn. Blink Connect also acts as an automatic Day-timer, says the company—providing clients with text reminders leading up to their appointments. According to company CEO Harry Battu, Blink Connect has an ancillary benefit as well. “I don’t know about you,” he says, “but I’d rather not go to the doctor’s office to get better and catch something even worse from the person sitting next to me.” The company has already licensed its service to a number of downtown Toronto restaurants, and plans to expand in the next few months. “Restaurants are just the beginning,” says Battu, “and the medical and salon sectors are the future.”

Harper launched a $612-million plan to remedy wait times in 2007

Stephen Harper from five years ago has a few questions for his present-day alter ego

Why Canada should be looking for ways to adapt, not revolutionize, health care

For those unsatisfied by yesterday’s demurring, here is an excerpt from Stephen Harper’s reply to the Speech from the Throne in October 2002. Possibly the last time he’s allowed himself to say these sorts of things out loud in a public place.

The Prime Minister sat down with ABC’s Jake Tapper today for a chat about continental relations, trade and health care.

Last year four hospitals tried a new payment model. It’s working.

…surely Tony Clement has to do something to stay busy, since he’s done nothing to deliver on one of the fabled five priorities?