A recent documentary takes a critical look at Canada’s reputation as a progressive model for the United States. Filmmakers traveled across Canada, interviewing over 4,500 Canadians to address pressing issues such as healthcare, affordability, drug policy, immigration, crime, and government spending.
“Broken Country,” directed by Canadian filmmaker Mira Metter and co-produced by Mike Werry, examines how life in Canada has evolved over the last two decades. The filmmakers argue that certain government policies have contributed to this transformation. The project included interviews with over 70 policy experts.
One poignant story features a man who suffered a spinal injury and waited 15 hours to see a surgeon. His doctor later indicated that surgery within an hour could have led to full recovery. Three years later, he lives with chronic pain, requires a walker, and was offered Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) while seeking help for his pain.
Metter highlighted another case, involving a man who slipped on ice. He waited over 15 hours in an emergency room, receiving morphine drips for pain relief. By the time he saw a surgeon, he experienced permanent spinal damage. It took over 10 months to consult with a pain clinic, where he was offered MAID despite only seeking pain management. According to Metter, the man felt betrayed by the system.
The BBC reported that Canada’s MAID law, legalizing euthanasia in 2016, accounts for one in every 20 deaths in Canada. Additionally, a report from SecondStreet.org found that 23,000 Canadian patients died on medical waitlists in the past year.
Beyond healthcare, immigration impacts the country significantly. Metter noted issues arising from a rise in temporary migrant visas without adequate resources to support them. Over two years, Canada saw 2.3 million newcomers, straining infrastructure and services, particularly in cities like Toronto.
Drug policy also features prominently in the documentary. Metter mentioned the existence of safe injection and supply sites in Canada, providing supervised environments and materials for drug use. The film cites an Ontario high school distributing safe snorting kits, sparking controversy.
Metter observed that Canadians, regardless of political views, share common struggles. Interviews revealed widespread difficulties in affording homes, living paycheck to paycheck, and accessing timely healthcare. These challenges transcend political divisions.
“Broken Country” will be released in theaters mid-September, with a limited release on September 18 in Canada and the U.S. It will become available on Amazon Prime on October 26.