Inequity still exists in Canada, although there has been progress, when it comes to accessing and receiving health services. Getting the proper care at the right time and place is not a reality for everyone; race, gender, age, disability, location of residence, and/or socio-economic status can affect their ability to access the services they need and the many barriers some face pose a significant threat to their long-term health outcomes.

Such health inequity ultimately costs taxpayers billions of dollars in avoidable spending, costs the economy due to loss in productivity, and, most importantly, costs people their standard of living and even their lives.

Given these losses, the urgency to act is clear. Government needs to redefine its role to better support an effective health system and foster a robust social safety net.

Over the past few months, Deloitte leaders have come together to consider the evolving role of government and bring perspective to the state of this country’s health and social equity. Our collective aspiration for Canada is this: to have equitable access to health and related services for the holistic well-being of all, regardless of location, race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, or other socio-economic factors.

This article is part of Deloitte’s future role of government article series, which examines the trends that are provoking governments to act and seeks to provide Canadian governments with bold ideas to help them address the underlying issues. Read our introductory report, The future role of government: Society is evolving. So must the way it is governed, for more context.

Deloitte also recently published a perspective on what the health care system could look like. To learn more, read Health care reimagined: The future of health in Canada.

Click here to read the full article.

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