The Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) latest release highlights a deeply concerning issue: the growing influence of health misinformation in Canada. As a health-care provider in Toronto’s urban core, I see firsthand how misinformation disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including those from diverse cultural-linguistic backgrounds.
Access to relevant and reliable information is a key driver of health. Yet, for many Canadians – especially the 20 per cent who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of colour (BIPOC) and the 12.7 per cent who speak a language other than English or French at home – this access is not guaranteed. Health misinformation and disinformation are rampant, circulating across every language and platform. In global diaspora communities, such misinformation spreads with alarming speed, amplified by the very networks that keep these communities connected.
Most existing fact-checking efforts and myth-busting campaigns operate exclusively in Canada’s official languages, leaving a significant portion of the population unserved. For those already feeling underrepresented or “othered” by the health-care system, this gap only deepens mistrust and alienation – worsening their vulnerability to conspiracy theories and misleading narratives. Without access to culturally and linguistically congruent health information, they may turn to unreliable sources for answers and be unable to critically appraise the content.
This isn’t just about misinformation; it’s about the ripple effects on health-care relationships and outcomes.
This issue isn’t just about misinformation; it’s about the ripple effects on health-care relationships and outcomes. Members of marginalized communities are more likely to conceal their beliefs and information-seeking behaviours from their health-care providers. This lack of transparency erodes trust and makes it harder for practitioners to offer effective care. Consequently, misinformation doesn’t just mislead – it magnifies existing health inequities, creating barriers to care that are felt most acutely by those who already face systemic disadvantages. Harmful disinformation can also serve to intentionally exploit the reader.
The CMA’s survey underscores these points. More than a third of Canadians report relying on online medical advice due to poor health-care access, with some experiencing adverse outcomes as a result. Marginalized communities are particularly at risk.
Combatting this growing crisis requires systemic changes. The CMA’s call for integrated health-care systems – where pharmacists, nurses, doctors and social workers collaborate – is critical. But equally important is investing in community-based initiatives that bridge these information gaps. Providing accurate, culturally tailored information in multiple languages can help rebuild trust and empower all Canadians to make informed decisions about their health.
Health misinformation is more than a communication challenge; it’s a driver of inequity. By addressing these disparities head-on, we can ensure that no one is left behind in our health system.
