A huge misconception around health is that it is primarily determined by individual lifestyle choices. Decades of research supports the understanding that our health is largely shaped by public policies and the conditions in which we live and work (Raphael et al., 2020). Considering the determinants of health and critically analyzing Canada’s policy responses to complex health problems will reveal areas requiring investment. We must shift towards a just society where we commit to and create opportunities which reduce health inequities. To positively shape the health of Canadians, government officials and policymakers need to effectively invest in upstream, health promoting policy solutions with lasting impact. Health is complex and contextual. As such, health should be approached compassionately, collectively, and with foundational social support. I hope through sharing this important publication – Social Determinants of Health: The Canadian Facts, you are able to challenge your own assumptions and long-held views on how health is truly shaped.
Listed here are the 2020 Social Determinants of Health for Canada:
Income and Income Distribution
Education
Unemployment and Job Security
Employment and Working Conditions
Early Childhood Development
Food Insecurity
Housing
Social Exclusion
Social Safety Net
Health Services
Geography
Disability
Indigenous Ancestry
Gender
Immigration
Race
Globalization
As a Master of Health Studies graduate student, I am becoming more aware of the health inequities which exist in Canada and continue to be poorly addressed. I urge you to review this document on the health determinants as it gives voice to circumstances in Canada you may be unfamiliar with or unaware of. As a wealthy nation, Canada is falling short on effectively addressing growing social exclusion and poverty. Our society repeatedly blames individuals for their health problems, when in reality this is primarily due to determinants imposed on them and factors outside of their control (Raphael et al., 2020). In focusing on individual behaviour change, rather than influential broad policy and supportive environments, we are inadequately addressing and preventing health concerns (Alvaro et al., 2011). Canada is a neoliberalism welfare state, whom favours the allocation of resources towards departments other than health, deepening health inequities for those disadvantaged. Health promotion policy ought to be embedded within multiple sectors to ensure significant, beneficial changes (Alvaro et al., 2011).
Members of society must recognize the social determinants of health, the implications of policies on health, and demand those in power respond more effectively. Rather than simply addressing immediate needs and ignoring relevant factors at play, policies need to target the underlying causes to have lasting impact. As caring and diverse members of our wonderful communities, we must ensure public policy be reflective of the determinants of health with evidence-based responses. Ultimately, by enhancing the conditions of health, this will create a more prosperous, inclusive future for Canadians and improve our collective wellbeing.
- Brett Dutra
References:
Alvaro, C., Jackson, L. A., Kirk, S., McHugh, T. L., Hughes, J., Chircop, A., & Lyons, R. F. (2011). Moving Canadian governmental policies beyond a focus on individual lifestyle: some insights from complexity and critical theories. Health Promotion International, 26(1), 91–99. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daq052
Raphael, D., Bryant, T., Mikkonen, J., & Raphael, A. (2020). Social determinants of health: The Canadian facts. Oshawa, ON: Ontario Tech University Faculty of Health Sciences and Toronto, ON: York University School of Health Policy and Management. http://www.thecanadianfacts.org/
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