The Hidden Bias of Canadian Healthcare

Racism in healthcare is a significant issue in Canada, with deep seated roots affecting the quality of care and overall health outcomes for racialized and marginalized populations. Statistics from a Made in CA report highlight the extent of discrimination experienced by these communities. More than half (54%) of Black Canadians and 53% of Indigenous people, with First Nations individuals being the most affected, report facing discrimination. Additionally, 39% of Southeast Asians in Canada have experienced similar treatment. This widespread discrimination is not just a social issue but also an economic one, as racialized individuals earn only 80 cents for every dollar earned by their non racialized counterparts.

These disparities extend into the healthcare system. The International Journal for Equity in Health has documented the experiences of everyday racism in Toronto’s healthcare system, revealing that patients frequently feel disrespected and mistreated during health service delivery. Healthcare providers acknowledge systemic issues contributing to this disrespect, indicating a need for greater cultural competence and improved patient-provider relationships. Indigenous peoples, in particular, face significant health disparities that are often linked to intergenerational trauma from the residential school system. Many health professionals lack an understanding of the social and historical drivers of illness in Indigenous patients, which exacerbates these disparities.

Further illustrating the problem, a CBC report based on data from the Canadian Community Health Survey between 2015 and 2020 found that Indigenous people were 18.6% more likely to report experiencing discrimination in healthcare settings. Indigenous women are particularly affected, with 14.2% fewer reporting access to immediate, non-urgent care compared to non-Indigenous women. These gaps in care are prevalent across both urban and rural areas, underscoring the widespread nature of healthcare discrimination.

This discrimination leads to significant health disparities, including higher rates of chronic diseases and mental health issues among racialized groups. Black and Indigenous patients often receive delayed or suboptimal care, which exacerbates existing health inequalities. The Canadian government has recognized these issues and has launched initiatives such as the "Addressing Racism and Discrimination in Canada’s Health Systems Program" to foster health systems free from racism and discrimination, aiming to improve the health of racialized and marginalized populations through culturally sensitive health services.

Overall, the statistics paint a clear picture of the pervasive nature of racism in healthcare in Canada. These disparities highlight the urgent need for systemic change to ensure equitable healthcare for all, regardless of racial or ethnic background.

Works Cited:

Racism Statistics in Canada. (n.d.). Made in CA. Retrieved June 29, 2024, from https://madeinca.ca/racism-statistics-canada/ Mahabir, D.F., O’Campo, P., Lofters, A. et al. Experiences of everyday racism in Toronto’s health care system: a concept mapping study. Int J Equity Health 20, 74 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-021-01410-9 Boyer, Y. (2017). Healing racism in Canadian health care. CMAJ, 189(46), E1408–E1409. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.171234 Basu, B. (2023, August 28). Barriers like racism, distrust may be main cause of health-care disparities for Indigenous women, study says. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/indigenous-women-health-care-inequities-1.6949274