The federal New Democrats have raised concerns about the practices of private virtual care providers. They have pointed specifically to Maple, Canada’s largest virtual health app. NDP MP Don Davies tabled a motion in the House of Commons last month calling for Ottawa to close loopholes that allow for the growth of “two-tier health care” in Canada.
“Ontario has insured virtual visits under [the Ontario Health Insurance Plan], but Maple has found a way around the province’s rules by connecting patients with a nurse practitioner or physician outside of the province. This is another gaping loophole,” Mr. Davies said in the Commons on Feb. 16.