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home / patient advocacy / opinion: closing canada's health equity gap is a shared responsibility

opinion: closing canada's health equity gap is a shared responsibility

for too many canadians, especially those in underserved communities, timely and appropriate care remains out of reach.

by mark vineis, president, novartis canada
published jun 03, 2025
read time 4 minute read
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read time 4 minute read
join the conversation
according to the world health organization, health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to achieve their highest level of health. in canada, that opportunity remains elusive for too many. getty images
canada’s universal healthcare system is a source of national pride and a reflection of the country’s shared belief in fairness, compassion and care for one another. but the promise of universal
access isn’t always the reality. for too many canadians, especially those in underserved communities, timely and appropriate care remains out of reach.

gaps in health equity exist across canadian communities

behind the data and rankings are real people and families navigating gaps in the system every day. from indigenous peoples to those living in remote communities, low-income families, women, 2slgbtqia+ individuals and newcomers, many face systemic barriers that can make even basic care difficult to access.
according to the world health organization, health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to achieve their highest level of health. in canada, that opportunity remains elusive for too many. systemic challenges—such as navigating complex administrative systems or a lack of culturally appropriate services—continue to drive inequities and contribute to poorer health outcomes. for example, lower-income individuals in canada report significantly more difficulty paying medical bills and are more likely to rely on emergency departments for non-urgent issues. canada also ranks third to last with respect to equity in healthcare access and experience among nine peer countries.

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family health coordinators in fort severn first nation advocate for better care and timely diagnosis
diabetes and fatty liver disease is on the rise, but not always detected in fort severn. a novartis grant will help community members advocate for families’ medical needs and improve access to timely diagnoses, treatment and preventative care.
there’s a renewed focus on encouraging young people to learn more about their first nations culture and traditional foods. “we’re still living off the land. we need to go back more to our traditional diet in order to be healthy,” says meena singh, not pictured, co-founder and chair of the learn and uplift foundation.

first national black physician database paves the way for better access and representation in healthcare
“black patients are even more likely to agree to aggressive medical treatment if they’re treated by a black physician, so that trust is there and it’s vital. you need to trust your doctor.”
dr. somto ibezi, left, is the vice president of black physicians of canada and a community-based family physician in saskatoon. dr. julie sobowale, right, is the executive director of black physicians of canada and a lawyer focused on diversity and inclusion.
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the challenges we face are complex and deeply rooted. but they are neither insurmountable nor acceptable as the status quo. no single institution can solve this issue alone. improving health equity must be a shared national priority. meaningful progress will require collaboration across sectors, from community organizations and healthcare providers to government and industry.

change leadership starts with listening to people

at novartis canada, our approach to health equity begins with understanding the lived realities of the people affected most by gaps in care and supporting those working to create solutions from inside their communities.
in 2024, we launched the novartis health equity initiative, a national program designed to fund innovative, community-led projects that help close these gaps. the response was remarkable: more than 130 applications received from across the country, each one reflecting the insight, passion and commitment of individuals working to improve healthcare access and outcomes where it matters most.
the three projects selected last year, to which novartis awarded a total of more than $680,000, exemplify the kind of leadership and innovation that is already making a difference in canada. they reinforce our belief that sustainable progress in health equity is possible, when we support those closest to the challenges.
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in 2025, we will again award $500,000 in grants to new projects focused on advancing equity in priority areas of social and cultural inclusivity, health literacy and support for newcomers to canada. these focus areas were identified after a co-developed with empact (equity-mobilizing partnerships in community), helping ensure internal upskilling to create an inclusive initiative.
we are proud of the novartis health equity initiative and firmly believe in its ability to impact change in canada. it serves to complement ongoing efforts by governments to build a more resilient, inclusive healthcare system, one that can better serve all canadians while easing long-term system strain.

a long-term vision for a more equitable future

as a company grounded in science and innovation, novartis canada understands the vital role we play in supporting health systems across the country. our commitment to health equity goes beyond medicines and reflects our global mission to reach more patients with innovative therapies and remove barriers to equitable care.
we believe industry has a unique role to play, not just through funding, but by partnering with those on the ground to inform more inclusive research, trials and policy solutions. we also recognize that we are all on this journey together, and that meaningful change requires sustained collaboration. while no single program or organization can close the gap alone, progress is
possible when we come together with purpose and humility.
story continues below

equity strengthens the healthcare system for everyone

health equity is not just an aspirational goal, it is essential to building a healthier, more resilient society. when we invest in fairer systems and empower local solutions, we improve outcomes for everyone. this is how we strengthen our healthcare system, and ensure that all canadians, regardless of who they are or where they live, can thrive.
at novartis canada, we are proud to be part of this collective effort. and we remain committed to working alongside community leaders, healthcare partners and fellow innovators to help drive the progress that our healthcare system, and the millions that it serves, richly deserve. whether you are a national organization, or a small group rooted in local experience, we want to hear from changemakers who know their communities best.
organizations with community ties and a vision for meaningful change are encouraged to apply for the 2025 novartis health equity initiative. the application process is open now, with submissions due by june 16. to learn more and apply, visit www.novartis.com/caen/esg/novartis-health-equity-initiative.

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