A new documentary is questioning Canada’s image as a progressive model for the United States. Filmmakers traveled across Canada, interviewing over 4,500 locals about their concerns regarding healthcare, affordability, drug policy, immigration, crime, and government spending.
Broken Country, directed by Canadian filmmaker Mira Metter and co-produced by Mike Werry, analyzes changes in Canada over the past two decades. The filmmakers argue that government policies have driven these transformations. The project includes interviews with more than 70 policy experts.
Healthcare Struggles
The film features a man who suffered a spinal injury and waited 15 hours to see a surgeon. His doctor later indicated that early surgery could have ensured full recovery. Three years on, he experiences chronic pain and limited mobility. While seeking treatment, he was offered Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). This proposal was perceived as a betrayal.
Canada’s MAID law, legalized in 2016, contributes to one in every 20 deaths in the country.
A report by SecondStreet.org highlighted that over 20,000 Canadian patients died on medical waitlists last year.
Immigration and Resources
Metter expressed concerns over immigration. Canada has admitted about 2.3 million people in recent years, impacting resources. Toronto, the country’s largest city, faces gridlock due to unanticipated population growth.
Drug Policy Impact
Metter noted parallels between drug epidemics in Canada and the U.S. Canada promotes safe injection sites, allowing supervised drug use. However, controversy arose when an Ontario high school distributed safe snorting kits to students.
Widespread Economic Hardships
Metter highlighted that many Canadians face economic struggles regardless of their political views. Questions such as the affordability of housing, living paycheck to paycheck, and access to healthcare reveal universal difficulties.
The documentary emphasizes that struggles are widespread, transcending political affiliations.
Broken Country will be available in theaters by mid-September and on Amazon Prime by Oct. 26.
Rachel del Guidice, a culture reporter for Fox News, covers politics, faith, family, and American culture.