We might as well be talking to a wall

Our health appears to be solely about us, yet the real focus should be on politicians and their influence on shaping public policy, Nolak P. Khopa writes.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

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, Nolak P. Khopa writes. Nathan Denette / The Canadian Press file photo

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.

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