Healthy Public Policy in Canada: A Survey of Ontario Health Professionals

Abstract

“Healthy public policy” has become a catchphrase of the “new” health promotion. The concept, however, remains vague and lacking in practice. A survey of Ontario public health workers was conducted in June 1988, using the World Health Organization's Second Health Promotion Conference Declaration on Healthy Public Policy as a source of policy statements and action areas. Results are constrained by a low response rate (22.5%, N = 180), but indicate a high degree of support for healthy public policy concepts by senior level public health workers. Social environment policy issues (notably child poverty and unaffordable housing) are highest ranked priority issues, although physical environment (pollution) ranked most important when respondents were asked to choose a single issue. Lifestyle health issues are relatively low-ranked, although they remain priorities for action by respondents and their employers. The Canadian and Ontario Public Health Associations are thought to have the best analyses of healthy public policies, but are not seen as prominent policy actors. Government and media are considered weakest in their analysis of healthy public policy. Respondents' comments indicate a willingness to strengthen their role, and that of their health associations, in advocacy for healthy public policies.