Evidence Network

Can $11 billion end homelessness in Canada?

There’s reason for hope A version of this commentary appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press, the Huffington Post and the Vancouver Province In North American cities like New York, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto and countless others, we have grown accustomed to seeing people who are homeless walk among us, often in the shadows, often with […]

Why Economic Inequality Matters to the Health and Well-Being of All Canadians

Does more healthcare create better outcomes? In other words, do more medications, tests and interventions necessarily result in healthier patients?
It turns out more care is, all too often, unnecessary care.

A society with no poverty would be healthier, happier and easier to live in — and would save us all money in the end

As a family doctor who works largely with people living on low incomes, poverty is at the root of many of the illnesses I treat.

If the federal government is serious about tackling poverty, reining in ‘payday lending’ a good place to start

I met Ben and Sherry when I was facilitating a focus group discussion in Winnipeg with consumers who use payday loans. A payday loan is the borrowing of a small amount of money (up to $1,500) that must be repaid in a short time frame and carries a hefty fee.

Why it’s never too late for low income Canadians to file their taxes

Most Canadians would like to see an end to poverty. What if we told you that one organization, using the existing social benefits system, found a way to get $21 million into the pockets of 9,000 low income individuals in Winnipeg?

How health providers in Canada are working together to treat poverty and improve health

Does more healthcare create better outcomes? In other words, do more medications, tests and interventions necessarily result in healthier patients?
It turns out more care is, all too often, unnecessary care.

Inner city children’s vision is being left behind

We can remember many of them, leaning forward, almost off their tiny kindergarten-sized chairs, squinting with one eye to try and make out a rather large ‘H’ or ‘O’ on a chart across the room. We saw them try to cheat by uncovering their other eye or slyly turning their head to one side.

Many Canadians struggle to put food on the table

For many Canadians, food plays a central role in the holiday festivities. But for those experiencing food insecurity, a bountiful feast will not be in the cards this year. Over 4 million Canadians, including 1.15 million children experience some level of food insecurity.

Five things we know about economic inequality – and why we need to act

Certain segments of society encounter persistent disadvantages and lack of opportunity across the country. This can affect everything from health outcomes of individuals and entire communities to social cohesion. It can also impact the economic growth of the country and the social mobility of Canadians.