Public Health

Breaking down barriers: How to improve refugee access to health care

Refugees often face language barriers, cultural differences and a lack of knowledge about our health-care system, which can lead to delays in receiving care and poorer health outcomes.

Ontario provincial election will affect health care greatly: Choose wisely

With a provincial election coming in a few days, there are a few things we should reflect on regarding health care in our province.

Guelph braces for ‘devastating impacts’ as supervised consumption site set to close

As Guelph’s only supervised consumption site prepares to close March 31, advocates warn people will die and the surrounding community will suffer.

Charity fills the gap in pet fostering services for struggling community members in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

For The Homies - Downtown Eastside Pet Support Society is a new grassroots organization offering much-needed pet fostering and other pet services for community members and their furry friends.

The reality of family medicine has changed. The health system must keep up

It’s time to break down the siloes in health care and focus on collaboration instead. No one wants to leave patients out in the cold.

Misinformation on social media is winning – scientists must adapt or lose the battle

Scientists and health professionals must rethink how we communicate or risk further marginalization in the public discourse, allowing falsehoods to shape policies, behaviours and health outcomes.

Despite Trump’s threat, congestion pricing has proved its worth in Manhattan

As both history and New York's experiment has shown, a well-thought out congestion pricing plan will ultimately benefit everyone.

Dual HIV/syphilis rapid test aims to lessen stigma, reach underserved communities

As rates of syphilis and HIV continue to climb in Canada, a dual rapid test recently was approved by federal regulators, making it the second of its kind to become available in the country.

Health misinformation is rampant and deepens inequities for marginalized communities

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.

The role of innovation in addressing Canada’s primary care crisis: A response

Rather than dismissing innovative care models, we should evaluate how their successful elements can be integrated into our public system.

Is the red dye ban a case of virtue signalling?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent announcement that Red 3 will be banned will go down in history as the very definition of a red herring.

Rising HIV cases in Canada: Putting the numbers in perspective

The rise in HIV infections over the last several years might indicate that the public health system has failed in containing the virus. But the raw numbers don’t tell the full story.

Ontario’s health care needs courageous leadership, not political appeasement

Ontario’s health-care system is crumbling. We can cling to outdated ideals and watch our system collapse under its own weight, or we can rewrite the playbook.

We don’t pay donors for blood plasma. But is that the right approach?

Any debate about whether to enhance the domestic supply of blood plasma by allowing payments to donors should consider these five items and ensure that citizens are aware of them.

New Year’s resolutions from health-care professionals: Advocate, avoid burnout and remember to love

At a time when the problems in Canadian health care can feel overwhelming and reaching our goals seems a daunting task, we wanted to know what health-care experts have on their personal resolutions list for 2025. 

How The Grinch stole family medicine: A tale of Ontario’s health crisis

Like a green, scheming miser, the Grinch of health care – festooned in a slew of government mismanagement and shortsighted policies – descended upon family medicine, stealing its spirit one policy at a time.

And under the tree, a family doctor for all

As we look toward the new year, we asked our experts what they considered to be the most crucial areas of focus for our system: If they could gift our health-care system with a little holiday magic, what would they wish for?

Boutique primary care clinics are making the family doctor shortage worse

Boutique clinics are not the future of health care. They are a step backward and are making primary care access worse.

International Medical Graduates: An untapped resource for Canada’s alarming doctor shortage 

We must reform residency quotas, prioritize Canadian International Medical Graduates, and create accessible pathways for practice in underserved areas to transform this health-care crisis into an opportunity for growth.

The false and confusing narrative against bike lanes

The short-sighted rhetoric of “I’m not anti-bike lanes… I’m against the way they’re implemented," is ultimately detrimental from health, environmental, economic and equity perspectives.