An MRI takes 6 mos. to a yr. unless it's life threatening. Of course, many ppl with brain tumors are not in a life threatening sit'n when the symptoms begin. Other times, they just shut the doors for a day. Women here wait 3-6 mos. That's why many ppl slip down to the states to have tests or elective surgery.
Elective surgery is another area where the waits are interminable.
Back surgery, etc. A friend of mine had scar tissue from a hernia operation that was causing great distress internally but he had to wait 18 mos. for sugery. He was called, told to be in the next day or he'd have to wait. This is the norm. There's a big brouhaha going on in Alberta where the govt is trying to introduce a 2 tier plan.