Wait times for surgery at hospitals across Canada are longer than ever, according to a study by the Fraser Institute.

Researchers at the policy think-tank surveyed physicians across 12 specialties, and reported an average wait time of 19 weeks between a general practitioner's referral and the elective procedure.

At 104 per cent longer than it was in 1993, wait times are not considered the longest since the institute began keeping statistics on the issue.

An estimated 950,000 people across Canada are currently waiting for surgery.

Quebec has the third fastest wait time, with 19.3 weeks, up from 18.8 weeks in 2010.

Here's a province-by-province breakdown of median wait times:

  • Ontario: 14.3 weeks (14 weeks in 2010)
  • British Columbia: 19.3 weeks (18.8 in 2010)
  • Quebec: 19.9 weeks (18.8 in 2010)
  • Alberta: 21.1 weeks (22.1 in 2010)
  • Newfoundland and Labrador: 22.8 weeks (29.1 in 2010)
  • Manitoba: 25 weeks (17.5 in 2010)
  • New Brunswick: 27.5 weeks (33.6 in 2010)
  • Nova Scotia: 29 weeks (28.5 in 2010)
  • Saskatchewan: 29 weeks (26.5 in 2010)
  • Prince Edward Island: 43.9 weeks (44.4 weeks in 2010)

The problem isn't new. In 2005, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that in some cases, waiting lists were out of control.

Patients should have rights, said advocate Paul Brunet.

"People should be allowed to have private insurance and have access to private healthcare reimbursed by the (Quebec health department). Some cases in court have already ordered government to pay, in some cases when standard delays are not respected," he said.

The problem of waiting times is kinked to the time it takes to make an initial visit to a doctor.

For Quebecers without a general practitioner, that's the first of many hurdles.

"I don't have a GP anymore, and it's hard. Even if you go line up at a clinic, you don't get the same doctor every time. It's very, very serious in Quebec," said Janet Townend, whose GP retired.

Townend has been on a medical waiting list since November, when she was told she needed a colonoscopy.

She's expected to receive the surgery by April, but she said if it gets pushed back, she'll be frustrated.

"It's too long, for my age group, with everything that goes on," said Townend.

Health Minister Yves Bolduc, however, questioned the accuracy of the Fraser Institute study, and argued that wait times in Quebec are acceptable.

"To operate on the patient within three months is very good, and 80 per cent of the patients have the operation in less than three months," he said.