During debate before the Obamacare vote, journalist John Stossel went to Canada. He reported the wait for a MRI was about nine months. But you could take your dog to the vet and the dog could get an MRI the same day.
Healthcare time doesn't depend on whether its just private or public. It depends on other factors like the healthcare plan, the number of doctors and patients, the country's attitude on healthcare, funding, and resources
I talked to a Canadian who said the only people that like their healthcare system are the unemployed who can afford to wait several hours in a waiting room. Those who can afford to, come to the U.S. for major treatments.
When I got my 1st hip replaced there were 3 Canadians and 2 brits there for hips & knees. They waited FIVE YEARS before giving up, borrowing money and partying for joint replacement surgery.
When I explained I had to wait a few weeks for my employer to find someone to fill in for me one cried.
I had thought asocialized Medicine wasn't a bad idea - until then.
Ask the people who have to live under it - not Propagandists or Madcow fans.
You're just one side of the story. You haven't been to places like Korea and seen their healthcare systems, much less the whole world. Don't act like you're so smart just because you've lived in Canada.