Canada’s healthcare system is built on universal accessibility, but what happens when patients and providers don’t speak the same language? Miscommunication can lead to misdiagnoses, medication errors and unnecessary stress. From emergency rooms to specialist consultations, accurate translation plays a crucial role in patient care. This blog explores how professional translation helps bridge these gaps, ensuring that language differences don’t stand in the way of quality healthcare.

Population

Canada consistently ranks among the top 10 countries for life expectancy, currently at 83.3 years, compared to 82.1 years in the UK. Remarkably, much of this extended life is spent in good health, with over half of Canadians aged 12 and older rating their general and mental health as very good or excellent. This longer life expectancy, paired with declining birth rates, has resulted in a growing senior population. Today, around 21% of Canadians are 65 or older, compared to 19% in the UK.

While many Canadians enjoy long, healthy lives, chronic diseases are becoming more prevalent. In 2021, 45% of Canadians were living with at least one major chronic condition, and 1 in 12 had three or more. Diseases like diabetes and heart disease are on the rise, particularly in indigenous and rural communities, where healthcare access is more limited. Among the leading causes of death in Canada are ischemic heart disease, dementia and cancer, especially lung cancer. Key risk factors include hypertension, affecting nearly one in four Canadians, and tobacco use (13%) as well as adult obesity, which stands at 26.2%. Additionally, more than 6.7 million people nationwide experience mental illness, highlighting the need for stronger healthcare support and intervention strategies.

Health market

Canada has a universal healthcare system paid for through taxes, meaning that any Canadian citizen or permanent resident has reasonable access to medically necessary hospital and physician services without paying out-of-pocket. The system is made up of ten provincial and three territorial health systems, collectively known as “Medicare.” Each province and territory has a different health plan, but all of them cover most healthcare services as well as emergency medical services. Prescription drugs or most dental services, however, are not covered by public health insurance.

To fill these gaps, many Canadians rely on additional coverage through provincial and territorial medication programs – targeted at groups like seniors, children and social assistance recipients – or private insurance plans often provided by employers. These plans typically also pay for medication, physiotherapy, ambulance services and prescription eyeglasses. In 2022, Canadians spent about 20% more on out-of-pocket medical expenses compared to UK residents, with an average of $924 per year, compared to $775 in the UK.

Canada’s healthcare provider density is relatively low compared to other developed countries. In 2022, Canada had 28 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, which is fewer than the UK’s 31 doctors per 10,000. While Canada had more nurses than the UK (102 vs. 91 per 10,000, respectively), the overall number of providers remains a concern, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Trends

Canada’s healthcare market is experiencing steady growth, with spending estimated to rise by 5.7% in 2024, reaching $372 billion and accounting for 12.4% of GDP. This expansion presents significant opportunities for foreign companies, particularly in pharmaceuticals, medical technology and digital health.

Canada’s pharmaceutical market is projected to grow by approximately 5% annually, driven by an aging population, increasing healthcare needs and the rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and arthritis. As 85% of its pharmaceuticals are imported, Canada presents a significant opportunity for UK suppliers. The generic drug sector is expected to experience even stronger growth, with a 7.6% annual increase until 2032, as demand for cost-effective treatments rises. At the same time, biopharmaceuticals are in high demand, particularly in areas like immunology, metabolic disorders and oncology, offering additional avenues for UK businesses to expand their presence in this growing market.

Trade between the UK and Canada is supported by the UK-Canada Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA), which ensures preferential access and reduces trade barriers. Additionally, ongoing negotiations for an enhanced free trade agreement aim to further streamline post-Brexit market entry and regulatory processes for British pharmaceutical companies.

Canada’s digital health market is expanding at nearly 10% annually, fueled by doctor shortages, long wait times and the country’s vast geography. During the Covid pandemic, telemedicine usage surged from 15% to 60%, and continued investment is expected to cover the increasing medical needs. Patient surveys indicate 94% of Canadians are open to using digital health services, such as virtual doctor consultations, online prescription renewals, and remote patient monitoring. The country is also emerging as a hub for AI-driven healthcare solutions, with applications in personalized medicine, CAR-T cell therapies and drug discovery. The market for personalized medicine, in particular, is expected to grow by 10 to 12% annually through 2030.

The Canadian government plans to invest $147 billion in healthcare by 2033, reinforcing market expansion. The medical device sector alone is valued at $9.5 billion, and pharmaceutical sales are projected to reach $26 billion by 2029. Additionally, rising U.S. tariffs on foreign products could increase demand for British medical equipment and medication.

Legal and regulatory conditions

To import and distribute medical devices in Canada, companies must obtain a license from the Ministry of Health – Health Canada – as regulated under the Food and Drugs Act. Medical devices are categorized into four risk classes (I to IV), with requirements varying depending on the level of risk associated with each class. All medical devices must also be certified under the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) to ensure they meet the necessary standards. Post-market surveillance is then conducted to monitor ongoing compliance and ensure safety throughout their lifecycle.

The process for getting pharmaceuticals approved in Canada involves several steps overseen by Health Canada. First, pharmaceutical companies conduct preclinical research and clinical trials (Phases I to III). Next, they submit a New Drug Submission (NDS), which includes trial data and manufacturing information. Health Canada reviews the submission, and if the drug is deemed safe and effective, it is granted market authorization. Post-market surveillance ensures ongoing safety, while pricing is negotiated with the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and the Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance. The provinces then decide about their integration in their local health plans.

International health market

UK pharmaceutical manufacturers can enter the Canadian market by adhering to Health Canada’s regulations and benefiting from the Canada-UK Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance. They must secure a Drug Establishment License (DEL), obtain product approval from Health Canada, and meet all labelling, safety and quality standards before distribution.

For medical devices, the Canada-UK MRA does not grant direct regulatory approval. Instead, UK manufacturers must apply for a Medical Device License (MDL) from Health Canada, based on the device’s risk classification. Compliance with Canadian Medical Device Regulations (CMDR) and proof of ISO 13485 certification for quality management are also required.

Internationalization

Internationalization plays a vital role in advancing the Canadian healthcare sector. It stimulates medical breakthroughs through international research partnerships and accelerates the development of new medications with clinical trials. At The same time, the influx of healthcare professionals from around the world helps alleviate workforce shortages and enhances patient care by offering a variety of global perspectives.

In this diverse environment, translation and localization are essential to maintaining high standards in both care and research. Whether it is for medical devices, pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements or health-related products like smart health apps, these processes ensure clear, accurate communication at every stage – from development to marketing and ultimately, patient satisfaction. Expert translators are skilled in adapting language for a variety of audiences, whether they are everyday consumers, healthcare professionals or regulatory bodies. Achieving this requires not only deep industry knowledge but also advanced training and an acute awareness of cultural and linguistic nuances to ensure precision and relevance across all communications.

Languages

The most relevant languages for the Canadian market are the two official languages: English, spoken by 87.1% of the population, which dominates in most provinces and is essential for business, government and everyday communication, and French, spoken by 29.1%, primarily in Quebec and parts of New Brunswick, Ontario and Manitoba. French is vital for official documents, government services and businesses operating in bilingual regions.

Demand for communication and translations in other languages is also growing in Canada’s diverse landscape, including Chinese languages (such as Mandarin and Cantonese), which are particularly significant in the Chinese-speaking urban communities in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, and Punjabi, which is widely spoken in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, especially in business and immigration services. There are also growing communities across major cities, increasing demand for translations into and out of Spanish, Tagalog and Arabic, and the indigenous languages (Cree, Inuktitut, Ojibwe, etc.), which are important for government, education and cultural preservation in indigenous communities.

Summary

Canada’s healthcare sector is ripe with opportunity, fueled by an aging population, increased prevalence of chronic healthcare needs and strong government investment. With mutual recognition agreements, regulatory harmonization and Canada’s reliance on imports, the market offers favorable conditions for UK companies – especially in pharmaceuticals, medical devices and digital health – to establish and expand their presence.

However, success in this highly regulated and dynamic industry requires precise and culturally adapted communication. Experienced translators play a crucial role, ensuring that medical terminology is accurately conveyed and that messaging resonates with both healthcare professionals and consumers. This not only reinforces a company’s commitment to quality and safety but also helps establish trust—an essential factor for long-term success in the Canadian market.



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autor_eurotext_100Author: Eurotext Editorial Team

We explain how internationalization works, provide tips for your translation projects and outline some of the technology and processes used. We also report on current e-commerce developments and cover a range of language-related topics.