By Alex Kinsella | June 23, 2026
Canada’s healthcare system is facing unprecedented strain. An estimated 6.5 million Canadians currently live without a family doctor, pushing millions to crowd emergency rooms for non-urgent care. Industry data indicates that one in seven emergency department visits could be managed by a primary care provider, with over half suitable for virtual consultation.
It was this exact bottleneck that inspired ER physician Dr. Brett Belchetz to co-found Maple in 2015. Headquartered in Toronto, the virtual healthcare platform was built with an uncompromising purpose: to meet the world’s healthcare needs by bridging the gap between patients and medical professionals.
Over the past decade, Maple has experienced steady 30 percent year-over-year growth. Today, the platform connects nearly eight million users across the country with more than 2,000 licensed healthcare providers. Available through direct subscriptions, employer benefits, and provincial health system partnerships, Maple allows Canadians to quickly book virtual appointments with doctors and nurse practitioners.
While Maple initially launched to address primary care shortages, the platform’s scope has expanded significantly. Today, patients can access specialists across dermatology, pediatrics, and weight management. Maple also broadened its mental health services by acquiring Beyond ADHD, reflecting a broader commitment to holistic digital care.
Patient safety remains central to the platform’s operations. Maple is not designed to replace emergency services; when a patient presents symptoms requiring an in-person assessment, practitioners direct them to walk-in clinics or emergency departments. Otherwise, providers can issue prescriptions for local pharmacy pickup, order lab work, and write specialist referrals directly through the app.
Maple’s network relies on independent Canadian-licensed practitioners who choose when to see patients—often supplementing their daytime clinic work with evening or weekend virtual sessions. To maintain care standards, Maple enforces a rigorous vetting process to verify licenses and liability insurance against provincial regulations.
Internally, the company is scaling its operational workforce to support its ambitious growth targets. "We hire for where we’re going, not just where we are today," says Selina Miah, Vice President of People and Culture.
Miah emphasizes that candidate selection relies heavily on values alignment alongside technical expertise. Key traits like curiosity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to improving healthcare access are essential to the company’s workplace culture.
To support its own team, Maple operates on a flexible hybrid work model out of Toronto’s Entertainment District, combining in-office collaboration with flexible remote options—including "work-from-anywhere" extensions for vacationing staff. Employee health is prioritized through wellness-focused workshops, fitness challenges, and regular team engagement events.
As demand for accessible medical care continues to rise across Canada, digital health platforms are moving from alternative options to core components of the national healthcare landscape. Through continuous service expansion and strategic workforce growth, Maple is positioning itself to lead that transformation.
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