Background
Canada’s healthcare system where everyone should be able to access care
Universal healthcare.
*Canada’s system is designed to provide healthcare regardless of income or background. However, universal coverage does not always mean people experience the same quality of care.
legislation that sets national principles for healthcare in Canada
The Canada Health
*The Canada Health Act establishes principles like universality and accessibility for healthcare across Canada.
Who holds the most power in healthcare policy decisions?
Governments and healthcare institutions.
*These actors control funding, regulations, and policy frameworks.
What barrier occurs when patients and providers do not share the same language?
Language barriers.
*Language barriers can cause misunderstandings and reduce healthcare access.
What training helps healthcare providers understand the experiences of marginalized communities?
Anti-racism training.
*This training helps healthcare workers recognize and address bias.
term that describes unequal access or experiences within healthcare systems
Healthcare inequality.
*Healthcare inequality occurs when certain groups face barriers or receive lower quality care because of social factors such as race, disability, or immigration status.
Two levels of government share responsibility for healthcare in Canada
Federal and provincial government
*The federal government sets national standards while provinces manage healthcare services.
Which groups often have the least power in healthcare policy debates despite being most affected?
Marginalized communities.
*These communities frequently experience discrimination but often lack representation in decision-making.
What problem occurs when healthcare systems are built around dominant cultural norms?
Cultural misunderstandings.
* Patients may feel uncomfortable or misunderstood if healthcare systems do not reflect their cultural backgrounds.
What approach focuses on respectful care that recognizes cultural differences and power imbalances?
Cultural safety.
*Cultural safety encourages providers to consider historical and social contexts.
two groups in Canada that often experience healthcare discrimination
Indigenous peoples, immigrants and refugees, racialized communities, or people with disabilities.
*Research shows these communities frequently face structural barriers, discrimination, and communication challenges within healthcare systems.
Which organizations often advocate for healthcare equity and policy reform?
Advocacy groups and community organizations.
*these groups raise awareness about discrimination and push for policy reforms.
What term describes discrimination against people with disabilities embedded in policies?
Structural ableism
*Structural ableism occurs when systems fail to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.
What feeling can discrimination create that discourages people from seeking healthcare?
Lack of trust in healthcare institutions.
*Negative experiences with healthcare can reduce trust and prevent patients from seeking care.
What should marginalized communities have more of in healthcare leadership?
Representation.
*Representation helps ensure policies reflect lived experiences.
type of discrimination that exists within policies and institutional systems rather than individual actions
Systemic discrimination.
*Systemic discrimination occurs when institutions or policies unintentionally disadvantage certain groups.
What type of reforms focus on small improvements rather than major structural change?
Incremental reforms.
*Examples include communication improvements or cultural training that do not fully address systemic inequality.
How many times are people with disabilities more likely to report unmet healthcare needs?
Four times more likely
*This statistic shows how significant healthcare inequalities are for people with disabilities.
Which groups reported discrimination during medical interactions in Pollock’s research?
Immigrants and refugees.
*Pollock found that perceived discrimination can affect communication and trust.
What service helps patients who do not speak English access healthcare?
Translation services.
*Translation services help improve communication and accessibility.
Which researcher argues that racial inequalities in Canadian healthcare are rooted in institutional policies and structures?
Adegoke
* Adegoke argues discrimination is not only about individual bias but about deeper institutional inequalities.
Which form of racism in Canadian medicine is discussed by Dryden and Nnorom?
Systemic anti-Black racism.
*Their research highlights how systemic racism affects treatment, patient trust, and health outcomes.
What rhetorical strategy can powerful actors use to avoid systemic reforms?
Framing discrimination as isolated incidents instead of systemic problems.
*This framing can reduce pressure for large-scale policy changes.
What broader concept describes social, cultural, and institutional barriers that limit healthcare access?
Structural barriers.
*Structural barriers include systemic discrimination, communication gaps, and policy limitations.
What systems should healthcare institutions strengthen so patients can report discrimination?
Accountability systems.
*Strong reporting systems help address harmful practices and improve equity.