Think tank SecondStreet.org is encouraging the governments of Saskatchewan and Manitoba to review recent data collected on family doctor usage.

According to several Freedom of Information responses, there are a high volume of patients in Manitoba that see a family doctor over 50 times in a single year, whereas in Saskatchewan, the phenomenon was almost nonexistent. British Columbia’s results mimicked those of Manitoba, with 14,497 patients having more than 50 visits in 2024 with a family doctor.

SecondStreet.org President Colin Craig says, “There are over 500 cases where Manitoba patients had more than 50 appointments with a family doctor in a single year.” He explains that there could be some system abuse taking place, either on behalf of the patients or the providers.

Craig continues that, “One official in another province that we spoke with about their data wondered if there might even be fraud. We’re encouraging both governments to review the data more closely.”

Second Street says if the two governments review this data, and find abuse or fraud, they could potentially free up resources to improve access for patients who don’t have family doctors.