Inequitable access to transportation reinforces the systemic social exclusion and economic inequalities that underlie health inequities. Transportation that better connects those communities facing a “spatial trap” could enhance access to employment and other opportunities, and contribute to better health for those facing exclusion and inequality. Health equity needs to be brought into policy debate and this paper shows how. It highlights how to shift the framing of policy development to address health equity by considering social need, accessibility and affordability using the Health Equity Impact Assessment policy tool.
About the Author
Ron Wray has twenty years public sector experience in strategic planning, policy research, community engagement and project management with a focus on health and social policy. Over this time period, Ron has worked at local (District Health Councils), provincial (Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care) and national (Canadian Institute for Health Information) levels of policy development. Areas of content expertise are wide ranging, incorporating policy fields such as population health, mental health, addictions, health promotion, long-term care, acute care and primary health care and special populations (women, children, seniors, immigrants). Prior to leaving the Ontario government, Ron was the policy research lead on an inter-ministerial health equity initiative to identify research and policy ideas that cut across the boundaries of income, education, housing, working conditions and health care. An independent consultant for the last five years, clients have included the Public Health Agency of Canada, Toronto Public Health and Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, as well as a variety of non-government organizations.