Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants are systematic social and economic conditions that influence a person’s health. They include income, housing, education, gender and race, and have a greater impact on individual and population health than biological and environmental conditions. Their impact can even be greater than that of the health care system itself.

This isn’t news to most Canadian physicians. Every day, practitioners see patients whose conditions are largely the product of, or are significantly aggravated by, their social and economic environments. Given this reality, the CMA actively supports poverty reduction initiatives, social programs and other efforts to address social and economic determinants of health. Our policies include recommended actions for governments, physicians, medical schools and other stakeholders.

CMA policies on the social determinants of health

Physician Changemakers

Dr. Kimberly Wintemute

Three years ago, Dr. Kimberly Wintemute took on a mission — to figure out which patients in her family health clinic were at risk of living in poverty. By knowing people’s economic circumstances, Dr. Wintemute believed, physicians could help reduce the impact that hardship has on their health.

Dr. Kimberly Wintemute's full story

CMA activity and submissions

2017

February 28, 2017

CMA recommendations for Effective Poverty Reduction Strategies

The CMA recommends poverty reduction strategies in support of a study by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities

2016

May 20, 2016

Joint CMA & CPA Policy: Access to Mental Health Care

The CMA and Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) issue a joint call for broad collaboration to develop a mental health care system that offers timely access to high-quality treatment and support

2015

May 30, 2015

Health in all policies

CMA calls on the federal government to recognize the relationship between the social determinants of health, population health and demand on the health care system and take this into account when developing policies

May 30, 2015

Healthy behaviours: promoting physical activity and healthy eating

In a new policy, CMA calls for collaborative action to make it easier for Canadians to incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into their daily lives

2013

December 7, 2013

Policy on the Built Environment and Health

(Reviewed March 3, 2018) CMA issues a policy outlining its stance on how the built environment affects health, with suggestions for ensuring that community design and development consider resident health

November 6, 2013

Healthier Generations for a Prosperous Economy: CMA 2013-2014 pre-budget consultation submission

In a pre-budget consultation submission to the Standing Committee on Finance, the CMA recommends federal investment in the social determinants of health, a seniors care strategy and other priorities

July 1, 2013

Health care in Canada: What makes us sick?

CMA holds wide-ranging consultations to gather Canadians’ views on the social determinants of health through town hall meetings in cities across the country.

April 25, 2013

CMA submission: Motion 315 (Income Inequality)

The CMA recommends measures to combat income inequality in Canada as part of submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance

2012

December 8, 2012

Health Equity and the Social Determinants of Health: A Role for the Medical Profession

(Reviewed March 4, 2018) CMA policy recommends actions for federal, provincial and territorial governments, medical educators and other stakeholders to address the socio-economic factors that affect Canadians’ health

November 1, 2012

A More Robust Economy through a Healthier Population: CMA 2012-2013 pre-budget submission

The CMA’s pre-budget submission recommends ways the federal government can help transform Canada’s health care system and improve the health of Canadians, including recognizing the implications of the social determinants of health on system demand

May 31, 2012

CMA submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance Study of Bill C-38

CMA President Dr. Jeffrey Turnbull presents the physician perspective on why policy-makers need to pay greater attention to the social determinants of health in an address to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance

2007

October 9, 2007

Child and Youth Health: Our Challenge – Canada’s Child and Youth Health Charter

(Reviewed March 3, 2018) The CMA, Canadian Paediatric Society and College of Family Physicians of Canada, publish Canada’s Child and Youth Health Charter; advocating for a safe and secure environment, good health and development, and a full range of health resources for all children in Canada

Related resources

Clinical guideline for homeless and vulnerably housed people, and people with lived homelessness experience

Homeless and vulnerably housed people face higher rates of physical and mental illness, and premature death. This CMA-endorsed guideline outlines how physicians can help improve health and social outcomes for these populations, through a series of evidence-based recommendations.

Recommendations for childhood early development

Adverse events in early childhood can shape adult health, even changing the way certain genes are expressed. The CMA’s position statement recommends actions by governments, medical schools and physicians to minimize the consequences of negative experiences during early childhood.

Physician action to address health inequity

Reducing the burden of illness on Canada’s health care system requires improving the underlying social and economic determinants of health. Read this policy paper to learn how the physician community can help through national-level initiatives, medical education, leadership and research, and clinical practice.

Ensuring equitable access to health care services

Taking deliberate steps to broaden access to effective, appropriate health care services is one way to mitigate health inequities. This CMA position statement outlines strategies to this end for governments, health system planners and the medical profession.

All resources

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Advocating on issues that matter to the profession and their patients

Pharmaceuticals

Drug shortages, high prescription costs and the risks of adverse reactions are all concerns physicians have when it comes to pharmaceuticals. Our advocacy touches on all of these issues.

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With cannabis use now legal in Canada, we continue to advocate for a science-based, public health approach to the substance — and actively support physicians with information and resources about cannabis use for medical purposes.

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