Abstract

Social Inclusion and the Health of Canadians: Where are the Gaps?

Recognizing the Political Barriers to a Healthy Inclusive Society: The Case of the Social Determinants of Health

Dennis Raphael
York University
Toronto, Canada

Social exclusion – the flip side of social inclusion -- has been recognized as a prime social determinant of health. Considering Canada’s record as a leader in the development of health promotion and population health concepts, it would be expected that policymakers would be especially interested in applying what is known about social exclusion and other social determinants in order to promote the health of Canadians. The reality is that not only do many government policymakers appear uninterested in applying these concepts, they seem to be actually working to weaken these social determinants of health. And sadly, voices from the sectors that should be most expected to champion the importance of these concepts – the public health and health care communities – are frequently silent on these issues. This presentation speaks to the political and economic forces that make application of a social inclusion agenda – part of a broader social determinants of health framework -- difficult if not impossible. The argument is made that improving the health of Canadians will involve identifying and challenging the forces that oppose a social inclusion agenda.

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For more information about the conference, contact:
 
Sarah Zgraggen
The Willow Group
Tel: (613) 722-8796;
Fax: (613) 729-6206;
e-mail: szgraggen@thewillowgroup.com