Knowing your rights as a patient can help you make informed decisions about your health care and feel more confident when navigating end-of-life decisions. It can also help when advocating for someone else. This page outlines patient rights in Canada and describes how they apply in health care settings.
Why patient rights are important
Canada’s publicly funded health care system provides universal access to medically necessary health care services. Within this system, patients have rights that protect their dignity, autonomy and access to care.
While policies vary by hospital and by province or territory, these principles are widely recognized across Canada and understood by health care providers.
Your patient rights
As a patient in Canada, you have the right to:
- receive care without discrimination
- understand your condition and treatment options
- ask questions and take part in decisions
- seek a second opinion
- accept or refuse treatment, or change your mind
- have your Advance Directive respected
- have your Substitute Decision-Maker respected
- receive appropriate palliative care
- request an assessment for medical assistance in dying (MAID)
- access, correct, and limit sharing of your private health records
These rights help ensure that health care decisions reflect the patient’s wishes and priorities. Knowing them can help you advocate for yourself or someone else when considering end-of-life care choices.
Key moments for a patient rights review
Planning in advance for your care
Advance Care Planning involves reflecting on and documenting your preferences for future medical care. Understanding your rights can help ensure your wishes are understood if you cannot speak for yourself. Learn more about Advance Care Planning.
Making treatment decisions
When facing a serious illness or complex medical situation, you may need to make decisions about tests, treatments, or care options. Knowing your rights can help you learn about your options and make decisions that align with your goals and values. Learn more about planning your end-of-life.
Advocating for someone else
Family members or friends often help a patient navigate the health care system by asking questions, communicating with health care providers, and helping ensure that the patient’s wishes are respected. Learn more about advocating for a patient.
Navigating challenges in the health care system
Barriers such as difficulty accessing services, unclear communication, language barriers, or disagreements about treatment can arise. Understanding your rights can help you ask for clarification, request support, or seek guidance.
If you are considering MAID, knowing your patient rights can help you navigate challenges in the process.
Your rights support your choices
Understanding your patient rights can help you approach health care decisions with greater clarity and confidence. When questions or challenges arise, you’ll feel empowered to ask for clarification, seek support, and ensure that care decisions reflect your values and preferences.