Canada's Response to WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health

Canadians, in general, enjoy very good health, but some Canadians are not as healthy as others. Major health disparities persist between various groups in Canadian society. Key health inequalities are associated with factors such as socioeconomic status, Aboriginal heritage, gender and geographic location. For example, when compared to Canadians more generally, First Nations and Inuit peoples have a life expectancy of 5 - 10 years less. Many of the consequences of these health inequalities are avoidable, including preventable early death, disease and disability, and are costly for the health system and society in general.

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