Government policies as a threat to health: Findings from two Toronto community quality of life studies

Community members, service providers, and elected representatives in two To ronto communities were asked to identify community factors influencing the health of community members. Many of the identified barriers to health rela ted to government policies and actions. Cutbacks in federal transfers to pr ovinces and provincial cutbacks in funding for agencies, reductions in soci al assistance, ending of new social housing, and other policy changes were seen as negatively impacting the health of the community and, members. Thes e perceptions were remarkably consistent with emerging findings concerning the determinants of health. Implications for public health practice were co nsidered.