Chronic Underfunding in Children’s Healthcare Affects Kids’ Future in Canada
OTTAWA, ON – October 1, 2025 – A recent report highlights the ongoing issues surrounding the funding and resources for children’s healthcare in Canada. Commissioned by Children’s Healthcare Canada and Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations, the report conducted by Deloitte offers a deep dive into the urgent need for better support in pediatric health services. The analysis shows that despite the challenges, every dollar spent on children’s healthcare can provide nearly five times the return on investment.
This report is particularly alarming as it aligns with findings from global studies, revealing that Canada is falling behind in various aspects of children’s physical and mental health when compared to other wealthy nations, according to UNICEF’s recent evaluations. The analysis shows that of the 8.6 million children in Canada under 19, many are facing inadequate healthcare systems that do not cater specifically to their needs. Consequently, around 1.5 million young people lack a family physician, leading to delays in receiving necessary care.
Deloitte’s study focused on three major chronic conditions affecting children: type 1 diabetes, mood and anxiety disorders, and epilepsy. These conditions can significantly impact daily life, with type 1 diabetes costing families up to $18,306 annually in certain areas. Without early intervention, these medical issues can worsen, resulting in more school absences, fewer job opportunities in the future, and increased stress on families and healthcare resources.
“Investing in children’s health is essential,” stated Emily Gruenwoldt, President and CEO of Children’s Healthcare Canada. She emphasized that prioritizing children’s healthcare will safeguard the future well-being of generations to come and help reduce overall healthcare costs.
Adam Starkman, President and CEO of Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of collective efforts to enhance children’s health. He noted that sustained support for these healthcare institutions is crucial for improving outcomes for families across the country.
Additionally, the report calls for legislative action. Bill S-212, introduced by Senator Rosemary Moodie, aims to create a national strategy for children’s health in Canada. Advocates are urging the Senate and House to pass this bill quickly to establish a robust healthcare plan for children and youth.
The document titled Thrive: The Economic Case for Investing in Children’s Healthcare further pinpoints that neglecting investments now will lead to greater challenges for families and healthcare systems in the future.
About Children’s Healthcare Canada
Children’s Healthcare Canada is a national non-profit organization representing healthcare delivery systems that support children, youth, and their families. Its members include 16 children’s hospitals, along with community healthcare facilities focused on rehabilitation, mental health, homecare, and palliative care—committed to enhancing the healthcare experience for children in Canada.
About Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations
Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations (CCHF), established in 2017, is a key fundraising entity for children’s hospitals nationwide. As the largest non-governmental funder of child health in Canada, CCHF advocates for equitable access to top-notch medical care for all children from coast to coast.
