Summary

The Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Dainius Pūras visited Canada from 5 to 16 November 2018.

Canada has a strong public health system that is firmly rooted in the principles of equity and fairness and the notion that access to health care should be based on need and not on the ability to pay. While the public health system includes many elements compatible with the right to health, a human rights-based approach is still needed for the State comprehensively to comply with its obligations to protect, respect and fulfil the right to health. The important role model that Canada represents worldwide and its solid position in international cooperation also carry a responsibility to ensure that the international support provided to other countries is in line with human rights.

Authorities should enhance their efforts to continue to address remaining challenges in terms of services that are not covered by the public health insurance; the disparities across provinces and territories; poor access to health care by persons in vulnerable situations, including indigenous peoples, and the lack of parity between physical and mental health.