Building Fairer, Healthier Societies: Insights from the 2024 Canada-UK Colloquium

Last month, Executive Director Alyssa Brierley and Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Health Policy Research, participated in the 2024 Canada-United Kingdom Colloquium in Cardiff, Wales. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and advocates from both countries to address one pressing question: how can we achieve greater health equity?

Key discussions centered on the understanding that health outcomes are shaped not only by health care systems but also by the social determinants of health—the conditions in which people live, work, and age. Evidence suggests these determinants account for 30-55% of health outcomes, underscoring the importance of cross-sectoral policy coherence.

Housing: A Foundation for Health Equity

Housing reform emerged as a cornerstone of the discussions. With over 235,000 Canadians experiencing homelessness annually, the link between inadequate housing and chronic illness was emphasized. Both countries recognized housing as a critical determinant of health.

Addressing Systemic Inequities

The colloquium also highlighted systemic inequities. In Canada, Indigenous populations face significant health disparities, while in the UK, disadvantaged groups similarly encounter barriers to health equity. Comparative insights revealed gaps in race and ethnic disparity data collection in Canada, contrasting with more comprehensive efforts in the UK.

Shared Commitments

Both Canada and the UK reaffirmed their commitment under the Rio Political Declaration on Social Determinants of Health to address inequities through inclusive policies and paying special attention to vulnerable groups. Recent policy efforts, such as Canada’s introduction of the Canadian Dental Care Plan for lower-income households, demonstrate steps toward closing these gaps.

The NIA extends gratitude to its UK and Canadian partners for the rich dialogue and shared vision for fairer, healthier societies. Together, we can create systems that truly prioritize equity and well-being for all.