While there is a serious shortage of health care professionals throughout Canada, rural areas—which account for 21% of the Canadian population—are even harder hit, with only 9.4% of all the country's doctors practising there.
Canadians spend 90% of their time indoors. This number, which initially appears benign, provides food for thought considering that indoor air is the greatest cause of exposure to atmospheric pollutants. The importance of indoor air quality has led to the recent emergence of new organizations and occupations—such as indoor environmental consultant—whose role is to build awareness regarding this issue and to protect people at risk.
The large number of Canadians who are willing to immigrate has led to the creation of firms specializing in placing professionals abroad. Working conditions are sometimes much more appealing outside Canada. In addition, many countries are doing everything they can to attract these professionals. Interview with two health care expatriation specialists.
All the studies agree that the need for nursing staff will increase in Canada over the next five years. These jobs represent just under 50% of all jobs in the health care field, a vast sector where aging workers will lead to more job openings.
Professional deontology includes the set of ethical rules and duties that govern the practice of a profession. In medicine, more than in any other field, these principles have a fundamental importance.
10 provinces, 3 territories: 13 codes of deontology. That being said, the underlying values and principles are the same—humane medicine that is respectful of patients.
Regardless of their exact numbers, all demographic statistics forecast the inexorable aging of the Canadian population and an increasing lifespan: within seven years, people over 65 will outnumber those under 15 years of age, and in 2032, will account for one quarter of Canada's population. Canada must be able to rely on a sufficient number of skilled geriatrics professionals to support these elderly people as they get sick and lose their independence.