A new report from the Fraser Institute estimates that the average Canadian family of four will pay about $21,115 toward public health care this year, despite common descriptions of Canada’s system as “free.” The outlets report the calculation is based on how public health-care spending is funded through taxes. Both articles say the figure reflects the overall cost burden on households and is substantially higher than in the past. The National Post notes that the report finds health-care costs have almost quadrupled since 1997 and have risen faster than other household expenses and income growth, including wages, food and shelter. The Toronto Sun likewise cites the estimate of $21,115 as a “tax tab” for a family of four, presenting it as evidence that health-care costs have grown over time. While the two reports emphasize the same estimated household cost and the broader trend of rising spending, they do not describe new policy changes. The discussion focuses on trends in public spending and the implied household contribution through taxation, according to the Fraser Institute’s methodology.