Final report - Integrated Land Management Bureau

The PHAC report (2004) describes that the degree of control people have over life
circumstances is a key influence on health. The report also shows that large income
distribution gaps lead to increases in social problems and poorer health among the
population as a whole. Health status increases with job rank. Income is linked to job
status. There is a correlation between economic position and disease resistance (PHAC
2004).
A BC Stats report on economic diversity and economic dependency is based on the
premise that a diversified economic base will provide more community stability in
volatile economic times (Horne 2004). Veenstra (2001) also cites studies showing that
societies with a high degree of income inequality are also ones with low social cohesion
or social capital. He adds that social capital may influence health related behaviors by
promoting diffusion of health-related information.
Implications for Schedules C and G: While Schedule C and G include several
appropriate and measurable indicators, there are more indicators that are recommended to
paint a more complete picture of the economic status of the North and Central Coast,
including income distribution, number of businesses, number of workers who are
permanent residents, and others. Because of the importance of economic indicators, and
the available existing sources for economics, both primary and secondary indicators are
recommended for measurement.
4.4.5 Culture
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) considers culture a determinant of health,
stating that “some persons or groups may face additional health risks due to a socioeconomic
environment that is largely determined by dominant cultural values that
contribute to the perpetuation of conditions such as marginalization, stigmatization, loss
or devaluation of language and culture and lack of access to culturally appropriate health
care and services” (PHAC 2004). The Statistical Report on the Health of Canadians
reports that despite major improvements since the 1970s, First Nations infant mortality
rates were twice as high as the population as a whole and the prevalence of major
diseases is significantly higher in Aboriginal communities. PHAC advocates for
programs that enhance cultural identity, pride and participation.
Turner and Ommer (2003) have also documented the association between traditional
foods and physical health among Aboriginal people.
Implications for Schedules C and G: Not all HWB frameworks included culture as a
key determinant in HWB, and some frameworks combined culture with recreation and
arts. However, given the importance of culture in Schedules C and G and the high First
Nations population in the plan areas, this component remains recommended as a key
component in HWB for the North and Central Coast.
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