Modernizing MRI Capacity: How Canada’s Healthcare Expansion is Driving Next-Gen Imaging Investments

Canada’s MRI market continues to demonstrate strong growth potential as diagnostic demand rises faster than system capacity.

Exam volumes have grown by nearly 30 percent over the past decade and more than doubled since 2007, driven by increasing cancer, cardiac, trauma, and neurological imaging needs. MRI waiting times remain among the longest in the OECD, with Saskatchewan recording delays of up to 186 days in early 2025, reflecting significant variation in access and scanner availability across provinces.

Federal and provincial governments are responding through targeted infrastructure investments, such as Ontario’s approximately USD 113 million initiative for Community Diagnostic Centers and Alberta’s USD 713.5 million  Health Capital Program aimed at expanding imaging capacity. As per Hospital Intel Suite (HiS), Ontario and Quebec account for nearly half of Canada’s installed MRI systems, reflecting their dense populations and strong academic hospital networks. To narrow this gap, western provinces are accelerating modernization and digital upgrades, while Atlantic and northern regions continue to face slower equipment renewal. UHN in Toronto has begun using AI-assisted MRI reconstruction to shorten scan times, while Vancouver General Hospital and BC Cancer have added new 3T MRI units to expand oncology and neurology capacity. 

Canada’s MRI capacity is being reshaped by rising clinical demand and inconsistent equipment renewal cycles. Several provinces continue to record long waiting times, reflecting gaps in system availability. Ontario and Alberta are adding new diagnostic infrastructure through targeted investment programs. Leading centers in Toronto and Vancouver have introduced AI-assisted reconstruction and new 3T units to support growing oncology and neurology workloads. Regional and mid-sized hospitals are also beginning to replace aging scanners through active provincial procurement. These developments indicate steady movement toward broader modernization and wider adoption of advanced MRI technology across Canada.