| #CanadaFacts
Health
Get the bigger picture on the health of Canadians. Dive in to find out the average life expectancy of Canadians and how it varies across the country. We also look at the leading causes of death, and look at how access to care differs by region, cities, and other key factors. Our Canada Facts series explores insights about Canada, all backed by solid data and designed to keep you informed and intrigued.
What are the top reasons people are admitted to hospitals in Canada?
Giving birth accounted for 344,811 or 11.3% of the 3.06 million inpatient hospitalizations in 2023-2024, making it the top reason for being admitted to a hospital for acute care that year. It was followed by COPD and bronchitis and heart failure, which made up 2.5% and 2.3% of total acute inpatient hospitalizations.
How much is spent on health care in Canada?
Health care is one of the most significant expenditures in Canada, accounting for 12% of the national GDP in 2022. Total health care spending in Canada reached $336 billion, or $8,645 per person, in 2022. Hospital care was the top expense, accounting for 25% of all health care spending.
Which province has the highest life expectancy?
Quebec had the highest life expectancy in 2023 at 82.55 years, followed by Ontario (82.33 years) and British Columbia (81.95 years). All three exceeded the national average. In contrast, Manitoba (79.1 years), Newfoundland and Labrador (79.11 years), and Saskatchewan (78.99 years) had the lowest life expectancy.
What are the leading causes of death in Canada?
In 2023, cancer, heart disease, and accidents were the top causes of death, accounting for over 163,000 or about 50% of the nearly 325,000 deaths that year. Cerebrovascular diseases, such as strokes and brain hemorrhages, ranked fourth, followed by chronic lower respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD.