I think that the reasons for the odd times for MRIs at least in Toronto is that these clinics are offered at the Hospital, and the other slots are reserved for patients registered in the hospital.
I must say that all my MRIs here in Kingston were done at perfectly reasonable times during the day. And the wait times were not bad either (my first diagnostic MRI was done at about a month after getting the referral). My family doctor has pointed out to me that the trick is the urgency indicated in the referral paper.
Of course there are many complaints about the universal health care system, mostly justified, especially about wait times. But in all fairness, and without wanting to start a debate, I also wanted to point out that my family has used the health care system quite a bit in recent years (two babies and their normal health issues, diabetic relative in need for expensive procedures and of course all this AN ordeal with MRIs, GK procedure etc., ), and not once have I seen a bill (except to upgrade from semi-private to private room after delivery), or have I had to sign a paper or get approval for anything. All I need to do is to show my health care card. It is important to criticize the bad aspects, but I think we should also acknowledge the good ones.
Marianna