Despite Canadians consistently voicing concerns about the affordability of life, citing escalating cost of food, unaffordable housing, job insecurity, and an inadequately low minimum wage, politicians seem to selectively tune in, focusing on matters aligned with their economic interests.
It often feels as though the rest of the country might as well be talking to a wall, doesn’t it?
By continuously neglecting the concerns of Canadians, politicians consistently sidestep a critical reality in the realm of health — a reality repeatedly emphasized by scholars in the field of political economy of health. These experts underscore that health transcends mere health care, encompassing factors such as affordable housing, labour market regulations, food security, fair wages, job security and equitable access to health and social services.
Despite the resounding call of scholars studying the political economy of health, proclaiming public policies are paramount, what echoes in the ears of our politicians is the same old chorus: “Eat more veggies, exercise and do not smoke.” And so, the tragic comedy continues, with people’s health paying the price because we are dropping the ball on those vital public policies at the core of healthy lives.
Even if we consider the “well-intentioned” advice about eating more fruits and vegetables, do our politicians really understand the financial challenges involved? With the cost of vegetables going up, especially with inflation, even having the idea of maintaining a healthy diet seems stressful.
By centring the health discussion on personal lifestyle choices as the primary drivers of health, politicians consistently emphasize the notion that “our well-being is within our control; we have the power to opt for a healthy lifestyle.” However, this approach places undue responsibility on individuals like us — why can’t we access nutritious food? Why is engaging in regular exercise a challenge? Why aren’t we all gainfully employed?
It appears to be solely about us, yet the real focus should be on them and their influence on shaping the narratives and public policies. In any event, food and activity are minor contributors to our health when compared to our living and working conditions.
The current Canadian landscape is marked by a concerning decline, with affordability challenges widening gaps between health needs and actual experiences. Evident in the growing reliance on food banks, soaring housing and rental prices, and an increasing prevalence of precarious low-paid work, the gaps in meeting basic needs are pronounced.
Amid this affordability crisis, where urgent attention should be directed toward addressing inequitable public policies, politicians seem fixated on attributing good health solely to diet, exercise, and tobacco avoidance.
Despite the evident role of bad public policies in exacerbating health-threatening conditions and consistent calls from experts, including the World Health Organization, Canada’s Public Health Agency, and the federally funded National Collaborating Centres for the Determinants of Health and Healthy Public Policy, politicians refuse to recognize how the root causes of illness are embedded in the public policies they create. Platitudes about “healthy lifestyles” do nothing to improve the situation and actually work against recognizing and acting on the primary causes of illness.
A more comprehensive and enduring solution to Canadians’ health problems requires creating public policies that promote rather than threaten Canadians’ health. This would involve legislating living wages, requiring adequate employment benefits, health maintaining social assistance levels, developing affordable housing programs, and redistributing income and wealth through the closing of tax loopholes and more progressive taxes on the very wealthy.
Public policies are essentially health policies. The decisions made by those in power directly impact people’s health. It is impossible for individuals to maintain good health when their economic and social security is dissipating. One cannot exercise and eat their way out of material and social deprivation.
Oops, I am still talking to the wall, angrily.
Nolak P. Khopa is a Masters student in health policy and equity at York University.
