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Canadian Public Health Association

Health Equity for Black People and Other People of Colour

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PUBLIC HEALTH MATTERS

In Canada, Black communities and other people of colour face significant health inequities. Racism harms health directly and indirectly at multiple levels and, as a result racialized communities experience higher rates of chronic illnesses, mental health challenges, and limited access to healthcare services. The federal government must play a critical role in addressing racialized health inequities to improve health outcomes and promote health equity for all Canadians.

A Higher Standard

Racialized health inequities between Black people, other people of colour, and white Canadians are well-documented. Research has shown that racialized communities experience higher rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, due to intersecting structural determinants of health, including systemic barriers to healthcare, education, and housing (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2020; Government of Canada, 2020).

Additionally, Black people and Indigenous populations in Canada were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with higher infection and mortality rates due to increased exposure risks and barriers to accessing healthcare services  (Olanlesi-Aliu, 2024).

It’s time for Canada to do better.

Why It Matters

Structural racism drives health inequities through multiple systems including education, housing, healthcare, and legal. In Canadian healthcare, many Black people and other people of colour experience racial violence, discrimination, and do not receive the care they need, leading to poorer health outcomes (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2022).

Mental health inequities are also significant, with Black Canadians and other racialized groups facing higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression but having lower access to mental health services due to stigma, financial barriers, and culturally inappropriate care models (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2021).

A federal commitment to dismantling systemic racism is necessary to ensure equitable health for all people in Canada.

Policy Solutions for the Next Federal Government

  1. National Health Equity Strategy: Develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of health inequities among racialized communities and prioritizes equitable access to healthcare services.
  2. Funding for Anti-racist Healthcare: Invest in training programs for healthcare providers that focus on anti-racism practices.
  3. Increase Mental Health Services for Racialized Communities: Allocate federal funding to expand mental health services that are accessible and specifically designed for Black people and people of colour.
  4. Tackle Social Determinants of Health: Implement policies that improve access to housing, education, and employment for racialized communities, as these factors significantly impact overall health.

Questions for the Candidates

  • How will your party address racialized health inequities?
  • Does your party support increased investment in anti-racist approaches in healthcare and public health?
  • Will your party commit to collecting and using race-based health data to address racialized health inequities?
  • What steps will your party take to ensure equitable access to mental health services for racialized communities in Canada?

Resources