Curated Resources on Comparative Approaches to Health Equity in Ontario and British Columbia

Introduction

Health equity in Canada is pursued through diverse provincial approaches, integrating operational tools and structural mandates to address social determinants of health (SDoH). This curated resource collection highlights how Ontario and British Columbia implement equity at multiple levels—frontline operational tools versus system-wide structural strategies. Understanding these frameworks supports MLTs and other health professionals in interpreting laboratory data, aligning practice with policy, and contributing to equitable patient outcomes.

 Scholarly Resource:

1. Indigenous Lens Tool: Health Equity Impact Assessment for Indigenous Peoples

Jumah, N. A., Kewayosh, A., Downey, B., Campbell Senese, L., & Tinmouth, J. (2023). Developing a health equity impact assessment ‘Indigenous Lens Tool’ to address challenges in providing equitable cancer screening for Indigenous peoples. BMC Public Health, 23(1), 2250. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16919-7

Annotation:

This tool integrates Indigenous perspectives into program planning, ensuring cultural safety and equitable access. In Ontario, it informs service adjustments for Indigenous patients, strengthening frontline interventions and culturally responsive care.

Government and Policy Resources:

1. Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) Tool

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (2012). Health equity impact assessment (HEIA) tool [PDF]. Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. https://www.health.gov.on.ca

Annotation:

The HEIA is a proactive planning tool that enables organizations to anticipate potential inequities before program launch and adjust delivery to mitigate risk. For MLTs, HEIA supports operationalizing equity in clinical workflows, ensuring diagnostic services contribute to fair access and outcomes.

2. Ontario Health Social Determinants of Health Framework & Resource Guide

Ontario Health. (2025). Ontario Health social determinants of health framework & resource guide. Ontario Health. https://www.ontariohealth.ca

Annotation:

This framework provides actionable, step-by-step guidance for integrating SDoH into clinical workflows. It operationalizes equity at the organizational and community levels, linking laboratory testing, follow-up, and patient-centered interventions to broader determinants of health.

3. B.C. Social Determinants of Health Value Set

Government of British Columbia. (2024, September 4). B.C. social determinants of health value set. Province of British Columbia. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/health-information-standards/standards-catalogue/bc-social-determinants-of-health-standards

Annotation:

This BC standardizes SDoH data collection across the province, including housing, income, education, and Indigenous identity. Standardization ensures consistency in data capture and supports system-wide equity accountability, informing public health planning and resource allocation.

4. Cultural Safety & Humility Standard (HSO 75000:2022)

Government of British Columbia. (2022). Cultural safety & humility standard (HSO 75000:2022) [PDF]. Province of British Columbia. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/technology-innovation/standards/cultural-safety

Annotation:

These standard mandates culturally safe practices across BC’s health system. It provides structural mechanisms for embedding equity and reconciliation, ensuring staff training and policy compliance translate into equitable patient care.

5. Fraser Health Indigenous Education Initiative

Type: Government / Organizational Resource

Government of British Columbia. (2022). Fraser Health Indigenous Education Initiative. Province of British Columbia. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/search?id=2E4C7D6BCAA4470AAAD2DCADF662E6A0&q=FraserHealth&tab=3

Annotation:

This initiative requires all staff to complete mandatory cultural safety training, embedding equity and Indigenous cultural competence at every organizational level. It complements structural standards with operational readiness, ensuring equity principles are implemented consistently in frontline care.

Summary

This curated collection demonstrates how Ontario and British Columbia employ complementary approaches to health equity. Ontario prioritizes operational, frontline tools such as HEIA, the Indigenous Lens Tool, and SDoH Resource Guide to enable immediate, actionable interventions. In contrast, BC focuses on structural embedding of equity through standardized data collection, cultural safety standards, and mandatory training initiatives. Together, these resources highlight that achieving health equity requires a multilevel strategy: operational mechanisms for day-to-day action and systemic structures that ensure accountability, sustainability, and consistent improvement in population health outcomes.