Equity and Cultural Sensitivity: Effects on Marginalized Immigrant Women in the Toronto Community


Cindy Sinclair, University of Toronto; Kawalpreet Kaur, Newcomer Women's Services Toronto

Access to equitable healthcare is a fundamental human right. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of making healthcare accessible to all, particularly marginalized and vulnerable populations. This global directive is mirrored in Canada’s national policies. The Canadian Government has made significant strides in this regard, implementing the Canada Health Act in 1985 to ensure equal access to healthcare for all residents and to safeguard their physical and mental well-being. The Act lays the foundation for a healthcare system that is publicly funded and universally accessible, underscoring Canada’s commitment to health equity. However, despite these robust policies, significant challenges persist, particularly in the form of a growing shortage of family doctors. Family doctors play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing continuous and comprehensive care from birth to end of life. They are often the first point of contact within the healthcare system, making their availability essential for effective healthcare delivery. Yet, over six million Canadians currently lack a regular family doctor, a number that is expected to rise. This shortage poses a significant barrier to accessing primary care, particularly for marginalized communities. The situation is poised to worsen with the government’s plan to admit nearly 1.5 million newcomers by 2026, including immigrants and refugees, all of whom will require access to primary healthcare services. The impact of this shortage is not uniformly distributed. Studies indicate that marginalized ethnic minority populations are disproportionately affected. Among these groups, marginalized immigrant women face unique and severe challenges. These women often navigate complex social and economic landscapes that exacerbate their healthcare access issues. For instance, they may experience language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and systemic discrimination within the healthcare system. These challenges are particularly pronounced in Toronto, a city with a multicultural fabric where over 50% of the population is from visible minority backgrounds. Toronto is a primary settlement area for many newcomers, including refugees from racialized backgrounds, making it a critical focal point for examining the impact of healthcare inequities. In response to these challenges, the Canadian government and various community organizations have implemented a range of support services aimed at helping newcomer women. These services include financial assistance, language and employment training, and the provision of safe spaces that offer both physical and emotional support. Such initiatives are designed to help these women achieve independence, maintain their health, and reduce their reliance on government support. However, despite these efforts, significant gaps remain in addressing the healthcare needs of marginalized immigrant women. This presentation explores the intersection of government policies and healthcare delivery, highlighting the substantial impact on marginalized immigrant women. It delves into the effectiveness of existing support systems and identifies areas where further improvements are needed. One critical area is the integration of cultural sensitivity into healthcare practices. Culturally sensitive care involves recognizing and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of patients, which can significantly improve healthcare outcomes. For marginalized immigrant women, culturally sensitive care can help mitigate some of the barriers they face, such as language barriers and cultural misunderstandings. Furthermore, the presentation discusses the role of community-based initiatives in bridging the healthcare gap. Community health centers, for example, often provide culturally tailored services that are more accessible to marginalized populations. These centers can serve as vital resources for newcomer women, offering a range of services from primary care to mental health support. In conclusion, while Canada has made significant strides in promoting healthcare equity, challenges remain, particularly for marginalized immigrant women in Toronto. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes increasing the availability of family doctors, enhancing cultural sensitivity in healthcare practices, and strengthening community-based support systems. By focusing on these areas, we can work towards a healthcare system that truly meets the needs of all Canadians, regardless of their background or circumstances.

This paper will be presented at the following session: