Offering a daring expose of Canada's laboratory system, this investigation unveils its historical and contemporary development, contending that its landscape has been heavily influenced by private, for-profit companies to the detriment of public health care. The study covers the ongoing debate between private and public organizations, the history of the for-profit companies' rise to power, how laboratory services vary outside of Canada, and more. This is an important contribution to an evolving discussion, featuring commentary on cost and integration as well as quality and accessibility.