The Fraser Institute says health care costs will surpass the $12-thousand mark this year for the average Canadian family.
That’s 70 per cent higher than it was in 1997.
While health care is considered free in Canada, the Institute says Canadians actually pay for services through their taxes.
It notes most Canadians are unaware of the true cost of health care because they never see a bill or may only pay a small public health insurance “premium” tax.