A new report by the nonprofit think tank, Fraser Institute, suggests that allowing more competition and making funding follow the patient could improve Canadian health care. The report titled “Tackling the Surgery Backlog in the Canadian Provinces” highlights major problems in Canada’s health care system. Despite spending a high amount per capita on public spending, Canada has some of the lowest levels of health resources in the developed world. Access to elective surgeries has been steadily deteriorating over the past 30 years, with Canadians enduring some of the longest delays in the developed world for medically necessary care. In contrast, countries like Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, where competition in health care delivery and private health care professionals’ involvement is encouraged, have a higher percentage of patients receiving medically necessary procedures in less than four months. The report suggests that allowing freedom of choice for patients, competition from both public and private health care providers, and making funding follow patients’ needs are policies used by other countries to improve access and efficiency. The report cites data from SecondStreet.org showing a growing waiting list for surgical treatment in Canada, with Ontario having the largest backlog. The report recommends private health care providers’ involvement to increase capacity and reduce pressure on the public system.