The Wellesley Institute's policy program supports the development of public policies that will result in greater health equity. We are committed to developing reliable, practical and progressive policies on urban health that build on community-based research and other solid evidence.

A current priority is health care reform which is being discussed all levels of government and by provider and community groups across Canada. Health care reform includes structural changes such as the creation of LHINs (Local Health Integration Networks) in Ontario, as well as ongoing issues of equitable access to health services.

Our policy program is shaped by the recognition that health disparities are largely a result of social rather than individual factors. Our policy analysis focuses on how public policy can contribute to reducing health inequities that are a consequence of these social factors. In addition to opportunities provided by health reform, we have a particular interest in policy issues as they relate to housing and homelessness, social exclusion, and income inequalities.

We are active participants in policy and community consultations in Ontario, across Canada and internationally. Learn more about our policy work by browsing our publications on a variety of health and social policy issues:

• Policy Challenge Papers [0]
• Backgrounders [0]
• Blueprints [0]
• Presentations & Speeches [0]