New Documentary Questions Canada’s Progressive Image

A new documentary titled Broken Country challenges the image of Canada as a progressive model for the United States. Filmmakers Mira Metter and Mike Werry traveled across Canada to examine concerns over healthcare, affordability, drug policy, immigration, crime, and government spending.

Healthcare Challenges

The documentary features a man who suffered a spinal injury. He waited 15 hours for surgery, resulting in permanent damage. He was later offered Medical Assistance in Dying as a treatment option, which he found shocking and inappropriate. The film highlights this and other stories, interviewing more than 4,500 Canadians and 70 policy experts.

Systemic Problems

According to Metter, healthcare wait times contribute to severe issues. The BBC reports that Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying law accounts for one in every 20 deaths. SecondStreet.org found that 23,000 patients died on medical waitlists last year in Canada.

Immigration and Resources

Rampant immigration poses another problem. Canada accepted 2.3 million temporary migrants in a year. Metter argues the country lacks resources to accommodate this influx, especially evident in cities like Toronto.

Drug Policy

The drug crisis in Canada mirrors that of the U.S. The country offers safe injection sites to manage drug use. Some controversial actions, such as an Ontario high school distributing safe snorting kits, have sparked debates.

Widespread Struggles

Filmmakers found that across the political spectrum, Canadians experience similar hardships. Questions about housing affordability, paycheck-to-paycheck living, and healthcare access reveal these shared struggles.

Broken Country plans a limited release in theaters on September 18 and will be available on Amazon Prime starting October 26.