Comparing Health Determinants in Ontario vs New Brunswick
- Faiza Syed
- Feb 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 31
Hello! A peer and I found an interesting comparison of health determinants between Ontario and New Brunswick. In some ways, it feels like comparing two different countries! The differences in healthcare access, lifestyle, and social factors are striking. For instance, Ontario, with its urban centers, contrasts sharply with New Brunswick’s more rural setup. These disparities reveal a lot about how location and resources shape health outcomes. It’s a fascinating look at how much external factors influence health beyond just individual choices!
Divergence between New Brunswick and Ontario
Regional differences in prioritizing determinants of health | New Brunswick: NB’s focuses on aging populations, rural healthcare access, poverty, and employment.
Attention is given to social determinants such as income inequality, education and housing alongside reducing health disparities in rural communities. | Ontario: ON prioritizes determinants such as access to healthcare, education, economic stability, environmental factors, and social inclusion.
The province’s diverse demographic means there are also specific focuses on reducing inequities related to race, income, and disability. |
Health inequalities | NB’s health inequalities stem from rural-urban divides, with urban centers like Fredericton and Moncton having better healthcare access compared to more remote areas. The provinces aging population faces challenges such as social isolation and chronic disease management while indigenous populations experience significant disparities in access and health outcomes. | ON copes with health inequalities particularly between urban and rural regions, as well as among different ethnic, income, and educational groups. There is significant attention on addressing the health gap among Indigenous peoples, racial minorities, and lower-income groups in urban centers like Toronto. |
Core principles | NB’s health system is built on universal coverage and accessibility, stressing the development of primary healthcare in underserved regions. The province is shifting toward more integrated care models, particularly for chronic disease management and mental health services. | The core principles of ON’s health system are accessibility, affordability, universal coverage, and evidence-based care. ON has a well-established public health infrastructure and universal healthcare system through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). |
Mental health | Mental health services in NB are primarily centered in urban areas such as Fredericton and Moncton, leaving rural regions with limited access to care. Despite this, the province has made mental health and addictions a key focus in its health strategy, with efforts to enhance service delivery through telemedicine and community-based outreach programs. | ON has a strong mental health strategy, including the Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, which aims to improve access to mental health services and integrate mental health care with other areas of the healthcare system. There is a growing focus on early intervention, prevention, and community-based care. |
Education | Education in NB is a key priority, particularly given its bilingual population and the specific challenges faced by rural schools. Education and literacy initiatives are closely tied to enhancing social determinants of health, with ongoing efforts to bridge educational gaps in Indigenous communities. | Education in ON is a key determinant of health, and the province has a well-developed education system with a focus on public health education, health promotion in schools, and mental health programs. Ontario also provides early childhood education as a significant investment in child development. |
Housing | Housing in NB is generally more affordable than in Ontario, though rural and remote areas often face housing instability due to economic difficulties. The provincial government has prioritized affordable housing and homelessness initiatives, particularly in urban centers, while also addressing housing needs in Indigenous communities on reserves. | Housing in ON is a significant issue, especially in major urban centers where affordability and homelessness are growing concerns. Ontario’s government has initiatives to improve affordable housing and integrate it with social services for low-income groups and marginalized populations. |
Indigenous health | Indigenous health in NB is influenced by the province's Indigenous population, particularly the Wolastoqey, Mi'kmaq, and Passamaquoddy communities. These groups face considerable health challenges, such as restricted access to healthcare, elevated rates of chronic illnesses, and mental health inequities. While the government has partnered with Indigenous communities to enhance care delivery, significant gaps in health outcomes and service provision continue to exist. | ON has several initiatives aimed at improving Indigenous health. This includes the Ontario Indigenous Health Strategy, which focuses on closing health gaps through culturally competent care, improving access to services, and addressing the social determinants of health unique to Indigenous communities. |
Documents that Guide Health Policy | NB’s health policy is basically guided by documents like the New Brunswick Health Plan and the Healthy New Brunswick Framework, which includes public health strategies aimed at addressing social determinants of health, improving healthcare delivery, and strengthening community-based care. | ON’s health policies are shaped by a number of key documents, including the Ontario Public Health Standards, the Ontario Health Strategic Plan, and the Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Strategy. Ontario also has regional health authorities that help align services with the unique needs of their respective populations. |
Conclusion | NB has a stronger focus on rural and remote health needs, with particular attention to aging populations and primary healthcare access in rural communities. Indigenous health and social inequality issues are also a priority, though they may be addressed differently due to the province’s smaller and less urbanized nature. | ON has a more diverse and urban-centric focus, with a strong emphasis on multicultural health, urban-rural disparities, and specialized services for chronic conditions and mental health. It tends to focus more on the integration of various health services, leveraging urban infrastructure for comprehensive care. |
References
Government of New Brunswick. (n.d.). New Brunswick Health Plan. Government of New Brunswick.
Retrieved February 20, 2025, from
New Brunswick Health Council. (n.d.). Healthy New Brunswick framework. New Brunswick Health
Council. Retrieved February 20, 2025, from https://nbhc.ca/new-brunswick-provincial-health-
Ontario Hospital Association. (n.d.). Social determinants of health.
%20Social%20Determinants%20of%20Health.pdf
Public Health Ontario. (2013). Health equity impact assessment (HEIA) toolkit.
Public Health Ontario. (n.d.). Social determinants of health snapshot.
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