Hospital parking: The real cost for patients (CBC Marketplace)

Hospital Parking Pain | Originally broadcast March 29, 2013
We investigate the costs of parking at hospitals in Canada, find who's really making money off those lots and how it's affecting ordinary Canadians.
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[@Kelsey1994]

I’m American but I’m obsessed with this show. The hosts don’t give a damn. Savage af. I love it.

[@campkira]

og jounlist are like this.. they know what to do and cleanly and professionally... your just only care about rating.. and endless info dump...

[@marcbensen8963]

As an American I can see how you would

[@jackkridler5714]

Me Too

[@ronytovar4716]

Same here!!

[@sharonrobison8795]

Me too❤️

[@antondemetrakopoulos2860]

As the owner of a private parking lot, I understand that there are substantial costs associated with running a lot. You also must ticket in order to keep revenue and ensure compliance. However, my parking lot is located in an area with shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. People pay in order to use the limited parking, but they are making the choice themselves. When you have to go to the hospital, it is because of a medical need; not a desire. Parking meters are designed to control parking in areas where it is difficult to find parking. It ensures that people don't stay for too long, and that spots are available. Having parking lots next to an institution like a hospital is essentially taking advantage of the situation. Although I believe it is okay in terms of visiting a restaurant, it is not okay when visiting a hospital.

[@Plague_Doc22]

+Anton Demetrakopoulos Couldnt have worded it better myself.

[@cheshire-smile3091]

Anton Demetrakopoulos In your case its understandable. While at the beach I paid for private parking, the lot had video surveillance & it was only a few feet from the main attractions & shops.

[@starquant]

I wonder what your "substantial" costs are ?. I would imagine after recouping your initial investment, the rest is just gravy. You wouldn't continue to invest in something that wasn't a cash cow. So I think your point is moot. Also, many Hospital car parks are not privately owned and their upkeep is done by the state. Especially in a Socialist country. I think you would find that with a bit more digging, that the Hospitals do not actually own the land they are extorting money from.

[@TheDroolpan]

Anton Demetrakopoulos ya but are you raking in 5 million in profit just in lot fees not to mention the 3/4 of a BILLION in healthcare profit...didnt think so. patient should be covered for parking when having hospital visits.

[@TheDroolpan]

did anybody else want to drive to sick kids and smack that smug smile off that arrogant administrators face????

[@terriesmith1981]

The female presenter is very good at her job. She is very persistent and would not let him talk his way out of it. Good for her. He should be ashamed of himself. He one of the people who's voice have authority but all he cares about is making a profit for the hospital/organization.

[@Dc-zu1ii]

I love these CBC reporters they're stalwart and aren't afraid to confront major corporations with deep political economic ties. I wish we had more programming like this across America. Educational, Honest, Wholesome. Fills you up like a perfect bowl of poutine. Someday I'll try some poutine.

[@PixieStixx]

if at least the money would go to the hospital

[@jacksonjackson7393]

I agree. That journalist is excellent at what she does and that is getting to the truth and even better, helping people.

[@jfm14]

@@Dc-zu1ii Agreed. I get so frustrated with US journalists who don't push back against the BS they're investigating.

[@macalister8881]

Ahhh yeah if the guy dont do a good job he gets replaced and then the next guy is a prick , sickness is the real industry ..psssst

[@datbeardedbastard8909]

That "Sick Kids" guy was a weasel.

[@Johannesburg777]

Wow. Just wow. Even in Canada the rich rip off the poor, sick and struggling.

[@G4rr3tt3]

If he suddenly got terminally sick i would not care 1 tiny bit, maybe he should fight for the sick instead of taxing them, what a disgusting monster of a human

[@amandasmith4822]

DatBeardedBastard I bet he doesn’t pay to park. And wouldn’t if he did even get sick

[@dominicoconner1973]

yeah & he has a parking pass so he doesn't pay anything

[@mangotail6808]

I would have a meeting with any people is a very sugarcoated fraze to say. Well he is in front of a camera =)

[@DarkDragon5822]

The host, Erica Johnson is fantastic. She is spot-on with her questions, critical and concise. She is confident and willing to help others in distress. I especially admire her patience with Jim Garner, the douchbag executive. How impolite and incompetent does he have to be, one, not knowing the impact of changing and raising parking rates (or at least act like he doesn't), defend exclusively in the position of the hospital without any consideration to the patients and families, and finally refusing to accept the petition himself. It's not the matter of whether you having the copies or not, it's to show respect to both the interviewer and to the people who signed the petition. It's called basic human decency and courtesy. If he wants a cushy high-paying job, he should go be an owner of casinos. (Sorry, English is my second language and I might have make quite a few grammatical errors here and there, and I don't normally write wordy comments such as this. But this man gets on my nerves. And also, Great job Marketplace! )

[@dianamolnar3779]

Everything you said is Ture and theire excuse is to take advantage of those who help to care for them So the hospital become a burden to the people that are doing their part in helping and that is why people do not want to help as much Money always stands in the way of Healh That not different. Pantients and family always had the buren of the hospital agenda Not suprise any way . As for your English is very good

[@etienne9028]

000p0

[@dabbagecabbage9642]

signed, Erica Johnson /s

[@sparx180]

Toni Li Don't apologize your English and grammar are perfect. I know people whose first language is English and they cannot compare to you.

[@jays106]

and i am sure he probably makes a 6 figure income every year too yet they never are the ones affected by any of this. the US isn't much better

[@nikkim7012]

"If it was brought to my attention, I would do something." ....She just DID bring it to your attention...

[@TheRaven_27]

are we sure Mr crabs isn't maintaining Canada

[@zano3671]

look at USA hospitals I think he is running those

[@darthnater71]

it is not Free when you are paying for it through taxes.

[@Frank71]

+Nate Ixchel then no government service is free.

[@n_u001]

his name is Doug Ford, he cut costs to schools, resulting in thousands of teachers jobs cut by next year, mandatory E learning, bigger classroom sizes, and has the nerve to spend 10 million on horse racing.

[@n_u001]

@@darthnater71 its not like we have more tax rates than americans, so we definitely do pay way less than americans.

[@markdudley5090]

The Hospitals can have my parking money or my donation, not both. We don't donate to any health care facility that charges for parking.

[@byronchavarria4954]

This Is Happening In The United States 🇺🇸 And Australia 🇦🇺

[@abrahambeltran9514]

"It's uncanadian" lost it

[@hockeyme3113]

Idk why, but I did, too.

[@ThommyMckGoaty]

sha8utie! Unamerican sounds better

[@Szari124]

lol

[@wilfojac9643]

@@ThommyMckGoaty unfortunately unamerican doesn't apply to punishing the sick for being sick.

[@_-_LOL]

So did I lmao

[@SwedishModding]

I'm not here to break the mood or anything.. But In my town in Northern Sweden the local hospital takes $1 for parking 24h... Canada's system however is pure robbery!

[@bmw803]

That's what it costs to get a "free for all" healthcare system.

[@mida8261]

I have never paid for parking at a hospital in the USA... however, we pay for the rest so at this point, so we'd rather pay $20 for parking than pay for the procedure.

[@FukaiKokoro]

Adam Smith wtf are you talking about? Alt right garbage.

[@angrydoggo5066]

Adam Smith well if you are in frölunda or other ghettos than maybe, but if you live in the northern parts than you are probably going to be fine.

[@cmkism]

Small towns in Canada do not charge for parking.

[@manzarjamal7656]

Tragic to see the hospital making money out of families of patients!

[@SamSitar]

a $4.80 fine is ok with me.

[@kevinmdrt]

In Minneapolis, our parking garages are where you pay at the end. You take your ticket when you enter with your time stamp, and pay at the end. (if you loose your ticket, you pay full value)

[@nopcshere6097]

@@SamSitar Agreed, but then the poor executives at Impark wouldn't make any profit and the executives wouldn't get their bonuses.....waaaahhhhhh!

[@BlackSlimShady]

Either make all the parks free, and than when its an emergency you cant find any parks because they are all taken for small things like broken fingers. OR, keep it paid and there will always be parks available because people with minor injuries wont pay that parking fee. Sure the price is extremely steep, but its actually better this way because you can actually get parks. If it was free, NO PARKS.

[@Retroscoop]

Revolting is a better word.

[@davidvaldez9670]

6 dollars for a half hour! WTF?!?!? That is insane, i though parking was expensive here in Denmark but i was wrong apparently.Parking is free at any hospital here though and i can't believe they would charge 20 dollars for a day of parking.

[@highstandards6226]

That's IF you're out by the appropriate time! If you're not, the rate changes INCREDIBLY fast, and HUGE!🤬

[@campkira]

cash grab.. and insurance don't cover parking... or you had to go on a bus.. or taxi...

[@pineappleroad]

I recall that there is a county in the UK where you can buy day tickets in the long stay car parks, and even county-wide day tickets that are valid in every long stay carpark, and last time I lived there it was £5.40 for a county-wide day ticket, and in most carparks a day ticket was less than that if you went with a standard day ticket, however, there was one carpark where it was £5.40 for a day ticket (that's $9.57 CAD, €6.23 EUR, or $7.52 USD)

[@tyskerbarn5171]

Bare komm til Norge.... 😁Kommunal parkeringsterror i alle byer i sentrum og selvfølgelig rundt sykehys, legevakter, tannhelsetjenester. Dette kaller jeg ran!😡 Folk er sååå sint- men dem sier ingenting! Det samme med de næringsdrivende i byen. Og- vi har nok plass i byen her over polarsirkelet- men mafiaen på rådhus kasserer. I tillegg bomstasjoner- hvis folk må dra til legen, sykehus osv.... Its a crime!

[@00crashtest]

"NO VIP/STAFF PASSES ACCEPTED" WOW! Impark doesn't even allow it's OWN company workers for free parking!

[@galafuze]

And how is the worse than parents with kids dying? Dork!

[@Juan-ng7rs]

@@galafuze it makes the entire picture worse, milking everyone they can to make more money

[@campkira]

that why the had to get on a bus.. but yet again they made alot of money so they can paid for it..

[@zannyd]

$16 FOR PARKING AT A HOSPITAL? I LIVE IN NYC AND PARKING IS'NT EVEN THAT EXPENSIVE.

[@orangeradishneo]

lmao it costs more to park your car in Manhattan monthly that it does to rent a 1 bedroom condo in Toronto...

[@Arlothed1no]

In michigan it’s like a dollar for three hours.

[@Originalkeauty]

DZ01DZ Americans pay less for ALOT OF THINGS EVEN CANADIAN MADE PRODUCTS WE PAY MORE FOR. Find more of cbcs videos.

[@Twinbz2010]

Parking at hospital in Australia can be $25 for full day rate. But generally there are still discounts if you are there for any length of time like 7days etc. on average it’s around $7-15 for a visit. .

[@jdenino6022]

Nonsense! It costs $20 to go over a bridge to get to Manhattan, NYC to see a top notch specialist. All the roads in New Jersey all have tolls going to NYC. In addition we have to pay for Co-pays and we got charged for an out of network charge for an ER doctor, it was $700 in addition to the $200 Copay for the ER visit. Also, tickets in NYC for blocking the box near the Lincoln Tunnel is a Moving Violation and points on your license. The ticket is hundreds of dollars.

[@aperxmim]

These executives at these hospitals do not care, Erica is interview this guy with the glasses and he is like "she is screwing with my money plan" with a big smile on his face.

[@danhard8440]

I was thinking the same you know he is getting a kick back lol

[@kibaanazuka332]

"What would it cost, $10" energy from that man

[@nancyh3509]

I have been a patient for the past 40 years and have experienced the unscrupulous cost of parking firsthand. Within that time my son became a patient so my costs were doubled. I can’t state how many times I stared at my watch in horror as I waited endlessly for a late doctor knowing that my parking was expiring

[@Flynnflonthedon]

I'm so glad to have such this quality of investigative journalism in Canada. My only hope is that people are able to access this informative material.

[@mohammedjc]

Parking fees are bad, but imaging living in the United state and go to the hospital, stay two nights be discharged and get billed $28,450.94 for those two nights.

[@josephinetaylor76]

agreed!

[@kail443]

+quigs4counting if your a Canadian and poor or making under 25k or something you get the free insurance. Dental isn't covered tho...

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

You pay that is Canada too, it's just that it's hidden by taxes....

[@roxcyn]

Najib Alwan - if it's not surgery, the bill shouldn't be that much.

[@jaredfogle6612]

kail443 dental is covered by certain dentists a crown for root canal isn’t covered same with wisdom teeth removal.

[@mr.oddlyfox6934]

"We're going through tough times as a nation, so we as an organization decided to pass that burden directly to our patients."

[@DonLee1980]

It's ok to ask for minimal parking fees to prevent people abusing the system. But $12 an hour is straight up highway robbery. Shame on you.

[@Bulumbu]

Honfy Lam A hospital I have visited would offer receipts after your appointment to refund the parking. I believe it's also used in some shopping centres in the US. Referred to as 'validating ones parking'. It's still modern day highway robbery though.

[@allgoo1964]

Honfy Lam says: "But $12 an hour is straight up highway robbery. Shame on you..." == $16.-

[@laurabrooks8824]

How would you abuse the system? By being sick and needing to go to the hospital or visiting a sick loved one? I don't understand

[@allgoo1964]

@@laurabrooks8824 says: "How would you abuse the system?" == Maybe not in this case of hospital but it happens some time. In our area, for example, a certain store (regularly)put up a sign says, "the parking is for the customer only." At the time I was there, the lot was full with the cars but no customer in the store. Later I found out that there's a church nearby and it didn't have a parking lot big enough for all the church goers, only on certain hours of certain day of the week. (so the sign is pretty much ignored) As we all know that religious people are nice people. lol

[@drrx9]

Some of those execs working at sick kids should lose their jobs and have their salary go towards paying for hospital services. Why does our hospitals have to have execs living lavish lifestyles and driving expensive cars? Get the money to the people who need it!

[@sososleepie863]

+RexBot But the investors/boss doesn't want them to get fired D: As long as their income is related how MUCH the hospital earn, they won't get fired

[@cnlish]

Oh totally, it goes all to the execs. I work in a hospital in Toronto and see them everyday driving their fancy cars and wearing their fancy suits with their fancy watches. They disgust me.

[@gemeni3000]

RexBot that why i never donate to hospital most of the money is pocketed to support certain employees lifestyles hospital anyway make 10 million per day anyway

[@justanoman6497]

And have high school drop outs run the hospital for cheap. Think a little, why do you think they get hired at such prices? It's not like the owner/board wants to hand out money to others. Granted, in many cases, it's probably more than what is strictly necessary. But there can't be a significant drop in exec costs.

[@IndyIndie59]

In my 41 years experience as a nurse hospitals are top heavy ... staffed by executives and assistants for every conceivable thing and then more layers on top of those executives to support/manage them. I say spend the money on the people who actually look after patients, offer discounts on parking and other assistance to families in crisis, spend more on replacing old worn out equipment so we can do our jobs properly and get rid of at least half the paper pushers who do nothing except sit in meetings and design more work for the nurses and doctors.

[@patrickramosofmanila]

This show makes Canada look more like America to me.

[@AlisaYao]

+Patar Ramos yup funding cuts everywhere

[@TheGauges420]

Raman S it's great they are, but in the end will it really help? I'm afraid humanity is too far along and that we're just prolonging the inevitable at this point.

[@allysonlopez777]

Yeah but I've never even heard of paying for parking at an American hospital though. Maybe in a major city (DC or NYC) where barely anyone drives anyway, but if you even suggested it where I'm from you'd get berated.

[@sammiedav1053]

Allyson Beverly :: We pay for Hospital parking here in Indiana. No matter where you go in US, once an industry finds a creative way to charge customers, the rest will follow.

[@cheshire-smile3091]

Sammie Dav Not here in WV.... UHC is free parking (Bridgeport, WV) & even Morgantown (formally known as Ruby) has free parking.

[@cyunt8743]

My stepfather has type 1 diabetes, and frequently injures his foot and has fought foot-related infections (he has less feeling in his feet and doesn't always detect problems right away), so my mom has always had to made many trips to the hospital every year with him. The parking itself truly does add up.

[@byronchavarria4954]

That Happens In The United States 🇺🇸 And Australia 🇦🇺 As Well

[@tyskerbarn5171]

same happens in Norway. Communal terror against car- drivers is international.

[@babyblueboy692008]

Hospitals preying on the sick.. absolutely shameful.. Its not OK and these hospitals should be made to stop these fees put on people who are sick. as a canadian why is out government NOT putting a stop to this..? like hello

[@reyisawesome]

We pay about 10$ (for an hour) to 20$ (for 2 hours) for parking every time we go and visit my grandmother at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus in Ottawa. It definitely takes a toll on how often we can go. She's always sad because we can't go every day and she worries we'll forget about her. But it's just not financially possible to go every day or even more then 2 or 3 times a week. We've simply starting taking the bus instead, but even that adds up fast when you don't have a bus pass. I know Gatineau and Hull's hospitals are about the same too. It's just simply robbery from the people who are the least able to fight back

[@everythingpony]

reyisawesome so you stoped visiting?

[@18ormorexox]

I'm sorry but that's an excuse and pathetic. Yes parking fees are outrageous but there is always a way. Uber? Bus? Fees are nothing compared to the joy you would bring by visiting more often. I've lived in Ottawa, Gatineau for 4 years as a student and honestly even with minimum wage you could do it.

[@shahzeboy1609]

Why not just have someone drop you off? like one family member drops everyone off and stays with the car and you guys just take turns every time. That's what I used to do

[@kaycollarfeild]

Wouldn't a bus pass be cheaper than 30-60 a week anyway ? 😶

[@byronchavarria4954]

Ottawa Canberra And Albany

[@beijosparavoce]

i am a Canadian who lives in Italy. In Italy the parking at the hospital is FREE.

[@JuliusCaesar888]

I'm an Italian living in Canada, and nobody cares about Italy. Italians don't even care about Italy. LMAO.

[@Juicetheeunuch]

Most of the Italian patients are there because of Italian driving so they may not need the space.

[@anjiemarie1]

I don't know about every state in the USA but I've parked at hospitals in 4 states and it was free every time.

[@skorpsaiyan2361]

Parking free up here in Dallas, TX at least all the hospitals I've been too.

[@chayllopez3300]

Parking fee here in the Philippines is also Free.

[@cheshire-smile3091]

I work in a hospital (ER RN to be exact) not every individual department needs a VP & President (head of staff) its just wasteful.

[@EmpressMinea]

If the lady mayor did not have loved one passed away, do you think she and her council will put a ban on hospital parking fees in Delta, BC? Why do these politicians need to wait for something bad happen to them before they start helping people?

[@rosannaberckley5515]

That's just speculation

[@stellar783]

I don’t think it’s right to criticize the one person who DID do something about the problem..

[@InFltSvc]

GOD I WISH we had this show in the US

[@itspricila]

InFltSvc theres many similar shows like inside edition, 20/20, pbs docs etc ...

[@therealgg13]

All mayors should do that. Pass a by-law of free parking.

[@OS10100]

+Total Social They are doing the opposite. Parking use to be free in all of Mississauga, Now... it's not... I don't blame them... who the hell is going to pay for their lavish lifestyle and vacations if the parking remains free?

[@FukaiKokoro]

Not just the stress but this means people in the hospitals will receive less visitors and that can be bad for their health too. Not to mention 16$ and hour is absurd. That could be the difference between eating or visiting a loved one in the hospital. And if it's going to a private corporation how is that "helping" the hospital?

[@jessegamingtv2146]

2:02 holy crap, I specifically remember my dad parking at that Zellers and we would walk across that exact field to the hospital. I thought we were the only ones!

[@sjbobkins9442]

I love Erika, she is not go g through the motions for the camera, I sense her heart is in this too. The Sick Kids spokesman is simply a piece of crap, I loved his phony grin

[@workonitm8]

Some people have absolutely no compassion and everything revolves around the dollar (or whatever currency).

[@theresa42213]

+Norman Bates Yep. lt's the ''love'' of money, that's the root of evil. Not money itself. Compassion, and empathy are hard to find.

[@roxcyn]

Norman Bates - it takes advantage of a situation - most of the time you're there not by choice. So my Canadian brothers shouldn't have to pay that high of price.

[@Morphineck]

Since we're talking about Canada, it would be Maples. (jk, I know it's canadian dollars).

[@BeautifullyBroken88]

I could smack that smirk off his face smh

[@namunaj3545]

That one guy in glasses alone stressed me out. He is deflecting every question. I hope that guy hits his toe on his bed corner. Everyday.

[@DannyFreiburg]

This is complete arbitrariness. If you drain parents with parking fees, why not charge these parents for breathing air inside the hospital?

[@sasukeuchiha998]

Don't give them ideas. People already started doing that in China. They might start citing China as their inspiration and say that it is to make sure that no one takes more air than they need to for their dear comatose patients.

[@kevinmdrt]

In Minneapolis, our parking garages are where you pay at the end. You take your ticket when you enter with your time stamp, and pay at the end. (if you loose your ticket, you pay full value)

[@bluefarmerosrs9721]

we already have carbon taxes in canada XD

[@Wiredog71]

Children's Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee has a wonderful system. Anyone can park in their deck, but they validate for patients, families, and clergy. The deck is bigger than needed for the patient load and being adjacent to the Vanderbilt University campus they cover the costs for the security and maintenance with the non-hospital cars.

[@spetersen2173]

AJ Ketchum and they can afford to do that bc they charge thousands for the procedures which these families have to pay out of pocket

[@yig_501]

@@spetersen2173 theres so many programs here in us where familys with sick kids dont pay so

[@MoyDeeLive]

Is there any update. I'm from the US and I am appalled by this. I never pay a fee to park at a hospital here

[@_-_LOL]

David H. If you had to go to one of the best you def would. University of Maryland as well as John Hopkins you pay to park.

[@josh6706]

Lol, so you just don't pay? Pretty much every hospital charges to park.

[@heewoney2]

Wow these CBC M.P. are the heroes/heroines for our daily lives!!!

[@amirglobo]

724million revenue!!!!! im sure atleast 10% is profit, you can build a 5 star hotel with that

[@jonathandpg6115]

hospitals are very very very expensive.

[@EllysaE]

I always thought it was weird that you had to pay for parking at Canadian hospitals. It just seems like a money grab ... and unnecessary. The only thing is in places with hospitals that are around businesses etc, people may try to use the free parking and not actually be going to the hospital. $16.00 is too much. Just too much. I guess healthcare is free ... ah I dunno ... where does the money go? To a private company? $60.00 a week = 240$ permonth = 2880/yr THAT IS RIDICULOUS!

[@Kari2025]

This is bizarre. I’ve never seen a hospital that charges for parking. I live in Idaho.

[@visionaryprem]

money money.... even dead body need to pay money

[@alyssapowileituuuuuu]

Prem Kumar everyday giving the money. Now I have none.

[@hotroddaddy-et4xg]

you don't know how true that staement is. tina fontaines family got a $500 ambulance bill from the city of winnipeg for fishing her body out of the river!!.they had custody of her the time she went missing,her father had been murdered,but grandma got the ambulance bill for it.

[@simpce8690]

Yup, even a dead man needs to pay taxes..

[@LillianCombies]

Hospitals should not be charging for parking!

[@larryduran3480]

There is some hospitals in the UNITED States that charges for parking as well.

[@Ilovecheaptrick]

+Larry Duran And charge their employees as well.

[@SuperGuanine]

all of them charge BIG ........💲💲💲

[@MelonXin]

I live in Madison Wisconsin US, and I have to pay for parking literally everywhere but at the hospital you enter the parking ramp and take a ticket with you but the first thing the nurse asks is “did you park in the ramp or the street” because if you parked in the ramp they will give you a different ticket for your way out so you don’t have to pay for parking.

[@dwayne601]

I never even knew there was a such thing...absolutely crazy

[@markcontracting3303]

Free health care in Canada, LOL

[@highstandards6226]

Yes, it is.

[@chayllopez3300]

Mer too. Hospital parking in the Philippines is free.

[@manictiger]

You work, they tax you, you buy something at 1000% markup, they tax you, you invest, they tax you, you get injured from work, they tax you, your car breaks down from commute, they tax you... It's amazing we still have a middle class.

[@ThePucko97]

+manictiger I'm all for a free market, but humans and their health is not a product that should be sold.

[@manictiger]

ThePucko97 I'm not socialist or communist at all (because that just means more taxes). I'm just pointing out how ferocious this system is. Then again, the middle class is also very spendy, which does not help their plight. I was telling these morons to not buy houses in the artificial 'boom', but they did. Now the Dow is down 600+ points and that's just the start. I started calling this 2 years ago and then I called it again a couple months ago when we had double-tap resistance on the Dow at 18k points. Here we are. The next housing crash. The banks will take whatever money these idiots still have. Mortgage on a particle board piece of shit that's worth 20% of what they bought it for. This is not the America I remember. Ofc, the vid is about Canada. Well, hate to say it, but your economy is tied to ours which is tied to China's and Europe's. We don't like that frailty, but that doesn't make it less true.

[@theresa42213]

+manictiger Yes, and that is shrinking, fast

[@sammiedav1053]

99% of the world wealth is in the hands on less than 1% of population. Think about it there is really no middle class!

[@Randy22124]

manictiger The middle class you talk about is quickly vanishing.

[@abyssalreclass]

Fortunately, the hospital in my area has free parking

[@wnytrashtrucks]

same unless you get ballet parking

[@wnytrashtrucks]

+david brunner Trash Trucks and Lawn Care vallet

[@abyssalreclass]

david brunner Trash Trucks and Lawn Care I believe you mean valet

[@wnytrashtrucks]

Yes auto correct is not helping

[@adrianlauer]

The local hospitals near me don't charge parking. I live in Midwest america too. I agree with the people who say that charging for hospital parking is horrible.

[@shan6553]

I wonder what would happen if Canadians all collectively stopped paying these parking tickets and drive through the arm guards on parking lots

[@leoiimqc]

At the Glen Hospital, Montreal, there are 2 parking lots, and depends where you park, the daily max after 60min could be $25 or $30. That's insane! The hospital is 15min driving from downtown, so there are not many choices other than to park in the hospital.

[@BorisTerekidi]

Nothing changed. I paid $16 just a few days ago for 2 hour stay at the hospital. Just a few months ago - again i had to shell out quite a bit of change.

[@lenitaa7938]

It has changed..here in Surrey, BC!

[@geraldroypanter8890]

hospitals are not bothered

[@glenjamindle]

They didn't mention that you DON'T HAVE TO PAY the fine from private companies.

[@lenitaa7938]

But these parents have to come back to see the doctors!! Where will they park?

[@jacksongilpin6528]

god you can park at seaworld for 15 dollars

[@sammiedav1053]

Hospitals are as "wonderful" as Airlines these days !!! I used to work at a hospital and I got CHARGED for PARKING, same rate that's posted at the entrance. It was taken our of my paycheck. Figure that !?!?!

[@lenitaa7938]

Don't show up for work en masse for few hours and see how the hospitals like it! Just leave basic people on!

[@krollpeter]

CAD 6 per 30 minutes is robbing, not parking fee.

[@lancelot1953]

Great investigation - especially the money that the company is making putting tickets on cars. How about charging the hospital administrative staff for their own parking, a hospital "lives" to help patients - not the other way around. The administration personnel and cost of hospitals has doubled over the last thirty years. Administrators should pay the parking, not a sick patient, that can barely make it to the ER, dialysis, and/or chemotherapy center... this is insane and immoral. Ciao, L Thank you to the staff of CBC/Radio Canada Market Place for such eye-opening reporting.

[@michestrong9223]

St Michael's Hospital in Toronto has a very reasonable public parking facility across the road, much cheaper than the integrated parking facilities of the hospitals on University Avenue.

[@janitakanu7680]

Cracking up at the "undercover" theme, 9:17 *"Is he onto us?"* 👤🔍😂🤣

[@danburch9989]

There are two forms of communication. Verbal and non-verbal. Verbal is what you hear. Non-verbal is what is unsaid; what the listener interprets what is being said. 14:55 Question: "Why are you allowing a private company to make all of this money off the backs of sick patients?" Non-verbal Answer: "So we can be isolated from any repercussions of this practice. We get the parking fees and don't have to worry about the fines." He says that that allows them to reserve the authority to waive tickets. No it really doesn't because they don't issue the tickets and therefore are disconnected from the ticketing. 15:07 Question: "Isn't there incentive to ticket heavily ...?" Non-verbal Answer: "What's your point?" He apparently sits in his office all day doing absolutely nothing to supervise what's going on. He's oblivious to what is going on; his head is buried in the sand.

[@deant876]

I live in the Detroit area, there's a hospital group (William Beaumont Hospital), they did charge for parking in the structures. but they had a free lot at the back of the property. But several years ago they did the right thing and made all parking free except for valet parking.

[@lexusfan100]

hahah that guy at the end was def getting angry. remember hospital is now a business..so with any business its all about profit from anywhere and from anyone. nothing is small or big

[@robertmckinney5548]

Until parking becomes free at hospitals, i think people should boycott any donations their way. Save your money to pay for parking at a later date. Let them know how you feel about these fees. Hospitals need to be smarter on how they spend. why pay people overtime when you can create a new job for someone who would love to get their foot in the door and help out. time in a half and double time is ridiculous.

[@Jeffb689]

Probably the best journalism in North America. Well done CBC. An American, I trust only two news sources and CBC is one of them.

[@wryckingbaul8612]

With the slippery, treacherous trek to the hospital from the distant parking lot, the question is how can you afford not to pay the $16?!

[@mikehalpern384]

Yeah, if you need to go almost every day it's quite expensive - I can always find a space in the streets nearby but parking is always complicated. It should really be more reasonable too - Hospital where I go you have to pay 8$ after the first 30 mins so even just visiting someone briefly 15-20min you are over the limit already for Free parking.

[@regierse]

When my dad was in the hospital for terminal cancer, I took a break from school and went down to part time from work so that I could see him as much as possible. The cost of parking was absolutely asinine. I was already broke, and already stressed, and the extra charges for parking were a kick in the pants. I've since moved out of the lower mainland, and the hospital here charges $1 for 2 hours. It's much more reasonable.

[@edj2745]

Always look for nearby parking like at malls, plaza, on street parking, and restaurants. Ask a friend to tag along to watch the car or bring the car back to his her residence and come back for them when done at the hospital.

[@BHShelly]

I live in New York and I love one of our most prestigious hospitals, Westchester Medical Center. You get day parking pass for $7 for the day for visiting family members and if your a patient coming in for treatment or check up when you leave they validate it. And if your a patient that has to come back multiple times or family members visiting multiple times, you can get a monthly parking pass for $32 and you can come and go as you please with this pass and you can give that pass to another family member to use. Not only the patient, but the family saves money!

[@rosestewart1606]

That's very reasonable.

[@cloverdog85]

I was in the emergency for chest pains a week ago and the security wanted me to pay for parking in the emerg area lol. Ridiculous. Im from red deer its highway robbery.

[@DDwayne]

That's insane $16

[@fred6059]

In Pittsburgh you get your ticket validated inside the hospital. No fees.

[@btothebone]

Thank you CBC for create such enlightening reporting. It angers me what companies do so I truly appreciate very thorough reporting and exposing it. Unfortunately, companies won't do the right thing in their own so your reporting and actions from it have probably saved millions throughout the series. Thank you again!

[@spookyboy6619]

Damn, to heartbreaking to watch. I hope families find justice . Greedy hospitals taking advantage of patients smh.

[@annamanthei7731]

I’ve been binge watching marketplace, and boy am I glad I live in the US now. We srsly need one of these shows in the states.

[@josh6706]

There are already tons of investigative journalism shows in the US, with the added bonus that most arent run by the government.

[@acajudi100]

They overcharge for the tv. Every business is so greedy and heartless.

[@michaelduggan1890]

I love this programs and all of the CBC investigative programs . Thank You .

[@andyknapp]

19:46 "What to these hundreds and hundreds of people who signed this petition who are in desperate need of a better parking rate?" "That's a lot of paper"

[@MikeM-co6dm]

This is sad and messed up

[@FtonDavid]

8:40 that's heart breaking, make me fortunate we have pay as you leave versus a metre. You rolled in, you know it's going to be at least eight hours before emergency will see you, I can only imagine running out when either being sick or dealing with someone who is.

[@hippynerd8801]

In my family, my husband has to drop my daughter and I off (for ALL medical appointments), just to avoid the Parking Fees! I am constantly asked: "Are you on your own?" Am I actually expected to explain: "No! My husband would like to be here, but we can't afford the Parking!" We've tried having him call in, but that doesn't work!

[@danielonn2002]

Doctors don't pay for parking.

[@highstandards6226]

THEY have leverage.. "make me pay, I may not show up when you need me. Or I might have trouble finding a spot..."😘

[@lisaann9120]

They actually do pay. In Edmonton anyways

[@BossladyXD]

20:23 uhh well umm... Uhhhhh mm well. YEAH HE LOOKS SOOO INTERESTED IN MEETING ALL + 1,000 pple!

[@user-tm4my4jb6d]

The hospital should install the meters that can be renewed online. That helps so much.

[@lenitaa7938]

Yes, but it wouldn't help people who don't know how to or too sick or too busy with medical staff, etc!

[@nicolewilson4108]

I just paid $27 for 4 hours of parking @ Humber River Hospital.

[@StevenWintringham]

In America, we have free parking, but no free healthcare. $20 per day seems negligible compared to what we have to pay.

[@sasukeuchiha998]

The issue is that the free healthcare doesn't cover everything. Usually the staff and facilities for treatment, but not for medicine and for conditions. Prescription glasses are not covered, physiotherapy for spinal injury isn't covered last I checked, and dental is not either. This is all paid by our taxes just like in Japan which gives you the option to pay a portion and let your insurance handle the rest. Really, we pay for healthcare just like USA, but we share the burden without getting much in return, especially when most of these hospitals are poorly run, usually overcrowded and people in the waiting room for hours, only to get a ticket for 80 CAD.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

sasukeuchiha998 Yep sadly our youth is brainwashed into thinking all healthcare is free in Canada. IK that plenty of Canadians come down here for plenty of procedures that in Canada you have to wait a long time for or will never get.

[@tintan23]

and we pay 51% in taxes that should cover the parking. but if you look at the sunshine list of your province you can see where all the money goes

[@roxcyn]

Ghost Cuber - not everywhere is free, though. 😒

[@shaina_2211]

There are a ton of hospitals in Tennessee where you have to pay for parking. I had to pay several times when doing clinicals as a nursing student. 😒

[@PrincessAww]

Free health care... complains about parking fees 🤔

[@LogicalVelocity]

$71/month at the Royal Alex in Edmonton. I have dialysis 3x per week at 4 hours per run. It's the tax I pay, on top of gas, for having kidneys that don't work. This doesn't include all the tests that I need with specialists at the hospital.

[@sistakia33]

This just feels evil to me! Why would you punish someone for being sick?

[@sparky603]

The government should be pulling all funding from these hospitals as well no discounted property tax rates until they make the parking free.

[@sparky603]

+James Webb Jr It's not right having to say to a sick or dying relative or family member, " sorry I can't visit, I don't have money for parking". How much does the CEO, and board members pay for parking at the hospital? What happens if you don't pay the tickets? This is extortion, medical care isn't some thing you want it is some thing you need.

[@randomnobody660]

Have you considered what if the hospital actually can't keep up otherwise? Say sick kids for example, what if they are actually 5 million short to maintain the same standards they hold themselves to now? If they don't have this 5 million, what do you suggest they do? pay doctors less? pay other staff less? offer less expensive and possibly less effective treatment?

[@sparky603]

quigs4counting My local hospitals are free parking

[@markoantonescu6688]

I live in romania, and the parking is free here.

[@1398go]

“Yeah, I’m not aware of that circumstance”….I think you can count on Erica to give you a thoroughly researched information, and now you ARE aware.

[@bach447]

Keep up the amazing work you do I love that this team is putting these unfair realities to the forefront

[@davidvaldez9670]

If it was not real life the image of people cutting through the snow and ice to walk to the hospital would be funny. People getting hurt while literally walking to the hospital.

[@Maki_Nishikino89]

This is sad, I feel bad for you Canadians. ._.

[@dadasmithywinkle]

Mike Remember, they get free healthcare. Unlike a cancer patient here, they dont have to deal with $100,000 bills and such. "Thousands for parking" over years isnt that bad when you put it in that perspective.

[@brianyun249]

+dadasmithywinkle yep. I'd rather deal with the parking fees than dealing with the shitty private insurance system and the cost. when you're faced with hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical fees, those thousand parking fees are a joke.

[@1Howdy1]

dadasmithywinkle That perspective being if one person gets gouged, everyone should be gouged? Because the health care industry gouges, the health care support industry should gouge, too? The argument can be made that an industry should be able to make a profit, I agree with this. However, any time an industry enjoys a public benefit, that benefit should be paid back to the public. Pubic tax dollars are used to pay for educational grants for health care workers, hospitals get tax breaks on property, and since many are non-profit they get tax breaks on their profit as well. This is far from an exhaustive list. The public is very generous with health care, too generous. People get outraged, but there are enough people that feel it is fair to counter any progress with the issue. My perspective is this: What if I had a 40 year old son that I paid to put through medical school twenty years ago. He now makes more in a year than I make in ten. He lives in the same bedroom he grew up in and shows up for dinner every night - all at no cost to him. One day I approach him and suggest maybe it might be a good idea to contribute a little every month. His response is the same as the administrator on the video - after careful consideration he decided that won't work for him, but he'll keep the issue in mind. Why not, I ask him. Well, I talked to all my friends and none of them pay either, so it wouldn't be fair. I talk to my friends about the situation and they respond that's it pretty screwed up, but they pay for all that and pay for their adult kid's fuel, too - so I should take comfort in that. Now, doesn't this example seem ridiculous? It shouldn't, it's how the health care system works - take comfort in that perspective.

[@TrollermanSixtysevan]

+Mike Bruh, did you see what they looked like? Most Canadians don't ever need to go to the hospital, because a lot of us eat right. The ones that need to go to the hospital were either born with many uh-oh's or eat too much processed trash/garbage that's cheap and easy to make/buy. Most Canadians don't need hospitals, but we like the idea of if something bad happens to our family member, we have the whole entire fucking country supporting us.

[@bobbypaluga4346]

I’ll add my kudos for Erica, she is a real pro at presenting Market Place and other CBC programs. She is sensitive and understanding of the folks she deals with. I’m in Arizona, I’ve been all over the US and Canada, she is the very best. Parking fees at hospitals, that’s NUTS! If the spaces are always filled set aside a few paid spaces so in a pinch patients and their families can always find a space. Forcing people to park in the mall is criminal. With Canadian winters falling on the ice is a dangerous hazard.

[@Sulfen]

I wish that parking fees were an issue in the US instead of healthcare costs. A visit to the doctor is $150-300 before health insurance covers it. And a visit to the ER is $3,000-$12,000 per day before insurance pays.