Health and Media Tracking Survey - Sentiment and Reach Overview
- March 24, 2026
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What this report shows:
1. Majority of Canadians increasingly rely on AI and online sources for health advice despite risks
A significant portion of Canadians turn to the internet and AI tools for medical information due to convenience and accessibility, with nearly half reportedly using AI for health advice. This trend highlights a shift in how people seek health information but raises concerns about the reliability of such sources.
2. Canadian Medical Association and doctors warn about dangers of AI-based medical advice
Medical professionals and the Canadian Medical Association express serious concerns about the potential harm caused by people relying on AI for health advice, citing increased risks of negative health outcomes and misinformation.
3. Health misinformation and unproven wellness advice proliferate on social media, prompting advocacy response
Patient advocacy groups like Rethink Breast Cancer are actively pushing back against the spread of unproven and misleading health advice on social media platforms, which contributes to public confusion and potential harm.
4. New Chief Public Health Officer prioritizes combating health misinformation and restoring public trust
Dr. Joss Reimer, the new Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, has made fighting health misinformation and rebuilding public confidence in health information a central focus of her mandate.
5. Access issues in healthcare drive Canadians to seek online and AI health advice
Due to difficulties in accessing healthcare professionals, many Canadians turn to online sources and AI for health information, with 57% citing lack of available professionals as a reason for seeking internet-based advice.
6. AI health advice can lead to dangerous patient decisions, alarming medical professionals
Doctors report cases where patients have made harmful health decisions, such as stopping prescribed treatments, based on AI-generated medical advice, raising serious concerns about patient safety.