Nova Scotia's family doctor waitlist grew by 316 people in June 2026, bringing the total number of residents without a primary care provider to 166,978, according to the latest figures from the provincial health authority.
Waitlist Trends and Government Response
The increase comes despite ongoing recruitment efforts by the provincial government, which has pledged to attach every Nova Scotian to a family doctor or primary care team. As of June 24, 2026, the waitlist had risen by 0.2% from the previous month, when it stood at 166,662.
Health Minister Michelle Thompson acknowledged the challenge, stating, "We know that every number on that list represents a person who needs care, and we are working tirelessly to connect them with a provider." The government has invested in team-based care and expanded virtual medicine, but critics argue the pace of change is too slow.
Impact on Patients and Communities
The growing waitlist has left many Nova Scotians without regular access to preventive care, chronic disease management, and timely referrals. Rural areas are particularly affected, with some communities having no family doctors at all. The Nova Scotia Health Authority continues to encourage residents to register for the waitlist and use alternative services like walk-in clinics and virtual care in the interim.
Opposition parties have called for more aggressive action, including increased funding for medical school seats and incentives for doctors to practice in underserved areas. The waitlist has become a central issue in provincial politics, with the upcoming election expected to focus heavily on healthcare.
