Ontario can do more to help the needy

Re Not all Ontarians are being asked to sacrifice, Opinion, Dec. 8

The government of Ontario should take note of Dr. McKenzie’s sage advice.

Research on the social determinants of health shows that low income is related to higher health care use, costs and increased mortality.

In 2013, the CMA (Canadian Medical Association) published a report that showed that only 25 per cent of a person’s health status is attributable to their access to health care. Fifty per cent is determined by the social determinants of health, such as income, early child development, food security, employment, housing, race, aboriginal status and community belonging.

The Hamilton Spectator/ McMaster collaboration Code Red, which examined poverty in Hamilton, showed a 21-year life-expectancy gap between low- and high-income neighbourhoods.

The CMA called for government action on: a poverty reduction action plan, a guaranteed annual income, affordable and supportive housing, the development of a food security program, more investments in early childhood education — including parental support —collaboration between government and industry on a pharmacare program and a comprehensive strategy for First Nations Health. A government for the people can do more to help those most in need achieve a good quality of life. Steve Lurie C.M., Executive director of CMHA Toronto Branch