Canada needs a “Health in All Policies” action plan now – CMAJ

KEY POINTS

“Health in All Policies” (HiAP) is an approach that systematically considers the health and social implications of policies contemplated by all sectors of government — aiming for synergistic benefits and to minimize social and health-related harms.
Health in All Policies is a critical policy lever, because many of the drivers for health outcomes are beyond the reach of the health sector — and because initiatives that increase health and health equity often pay for themselves through better productivity and higher tax revenues.
Noncommunicable chronic diseases, mental health issues and the health inequities faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada exemplify key challenges for Canadians that could be successfully addressed by the HiAP approach.
Although there are substantial challenges to be overcome, including political will and data inadequacies, a pan-Canadian action plan on HiAP would help to promote health and health equity for Canadians.