John Elflein
Research expert covering health and health care
Health in Canadian provinces and territories - Statistics & Facts
People in Canada tend to have positive health outcomes with a high life expectancy and a robust health care system that provides medically necessary care free at the point of use. However, health outcomes in Canada do vary depending on factors such as sex, race/ethnicity, income, age, and province or territory. For example, in 2022, around 59 percent of adults in Quebec reported their health status as excellent or very good, compared to 50 percent of those in New Brunswick. Likewise, those in Quebec were most likely to report their mental health as excellent or very good with 65 percent, while only around 49 percent of adults in Nova Scotia perceived their mental health status so positively.
Cancer and heart disease across Canada
Cancer and heart disease are the leading causes of death in Canada, accounting for around 42 percent of all deaths in 2022. However, the impact of these diseases varies by province and territory. For example, in 2023, Nova Scotia had the highest incidence rate of cancer in Canada with 557 cases per 100,000 population, while Yukon had the lowest incidence rate with 380 cases per 100,000 population. However, Nunavut had the highest mortality rate from cancer despite having the second lowest incidence rate in the country. Considering heart disease, Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta had the highest prevalence rates of ischemic heart disease in 2021-2022, with over seven percent of adults aged 20 years and older suffering from this disease. Interestingly, heart failure is most prevalent in Nunavut, Yukon, and British Columbia. Modifiable explanations for regional differences in these diseases include access to care and the prevalence of health risk factors.Health risk factors
The risk of developing cancer and heart disease, along with many other chronic diseases, can be lowered by avoiding known risk factors such as drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, exercising, and following a healthy diet. In Canada, around 21 percent of adults reported heavy drinking at least once a month in 2022, with this share highest in Newfoundland and Labrador, where almost 27 percent of adults reported regularly drinking heavily. Nevertheless, smoking rates in Newfoundland and Labrador are below the national average, while they are highest in New Brunswick and Manitoba. Rates of smoking in Canada have decreased significantly over the past couple decades, but obesity is an ever-increasing problem. In 2022, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest prevalence of adult obesity with 43 and 42 percent of adults considered obese, respectively. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
