Health of Canadians
Introduction
Understanding the population’s health and the various factors that influence it is essential for developing effective health policies, enhancing health outcomes, promoting health equity and fostering community engagement. This understanding also provides valuable insights into reducing health care costs, improving the sustainability of the health care system and ensuring a high quality of life for all.
Statistics Canada serves as a leader in collecting comprehensive data on various aspects of Canadian life, including health, demographics, social conditions and the economy. These integrated data provide a holistic understanding of the health and well-being of the population.
The annual Health of Canadians report offers a comprehensive overview of the state of population health in Canada, using the latest data on health indicators across various domains, as outlined in the Health Statistics Branch’s Population Health Data Framework (Figure 1). This iteration of the report features statistics from 2022 to 2024, including previously reported health outcomes—such as perceived health and mental health, chronic diseases, and mortality—as well as newly added domains like sexual health, oral health and COVID-19.
Health outcomes, health behaviours and access to health care services are significantly shaped by the broader socioeconomic determinants of health. Accordingly, in line with Statistics Canada’s Disaggregated Data Action Plan, the Health of Canadians report details the variation in health outcomes and behaviours across the Canadian population by sociodemographic characteristics, including racialized group, Indigenous identity, sex, gender and sexual orientation. This second iteration of the report explores health outcomes among additional subpopulations, including people with disabilities, immigrants and those living in rural areas.
Collectively, this compilation of information paints a detailed portrait of population health for policy makers, researchers, health professionals and Canadians. Moreover, it serves as a valuable resource for policies and initiatives, ultimately leading to improved and more equitable health outcomes for all Canadians.
Description for Figure 1
The following framework is used by the Health Statistics Branch. There are four interconnected health indicator domains showing overlap between health determinants (e.g., age, income), health behaviours (e.g., exercise, nutrition), access to health care (e.g., unmet health care needs) and health outcomes (e.g., chronic conditions). The term “health equity” is included in this framework to signify disaggregation with these health indicator domains across the social determinants of health, to highlight if particular groups experience health disparities.
Sources: Statistics Canada, Health Statistics Branch. (2023, February). Strategic Plan 2023-2025 - Figure 2: Population Health Data Framework.
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