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Provincial Divergence – Provincial Convergence



There are 4,444,277 people currently living in Alberta as compared to the similar 2021 search, reporting there are 159,819 people living on Prince Edward Island (PEI). Alberta covers a land mass of 661,848 km squared and is situated amongst the prairie provinces, whilst PEI is a 5660 km squared island located within the maritime provinces. Each province has its own unique identity within Canada and its own challenges in meeting the diverse health needs of their provincial populations. However, it is important to recognize the regional differences while exploring the surprising similarities.


As outlined in the 2016 Chief Public Health Officers report in PEI there are, approximately twenty social determinants of health impact the health status of Islanders. These determinants include income, social status, education, literacy, social support networks, physical environment, personal health practices, coping skills, child development, biology, genetics, gender, health services, culture and more (2016). Each of these determinants would be matched in Alberta where there is a strong emphasis on a 3 basic levels to target when looking to improve peoples’ health and wellness: individual, community and policy. The most commonly targeted is the individual by encouraging us to eat a healthy diet, get active and eliminate tobacco. The second way is by creating environments that support making the healthy choice the easier choice. The third is through healthy public policy (AHS, 2021).


Each province requires intrinsic data collected to reflect the current state of health, economy and highlight the unique challenges imposed by landmass, population and access of healthcare resources. Regardless of whether in Alberta or on PEI, the social determinants of health may influence health status positively or negatively. For example, unemployment, crime, and illiteracy may impact individuals negatively and to varying degrees in various communities across the province. The result is varying levels of health inequity, defined as the unequal distribution of determinants of health. Conversely, employment, civil obedience, and literacy may impact Islanders positively to varying degrees across the province (2016). And there needs to be a renewed focus as indicated for people to understand the relationship between local, provincial and federal decision making, health policy development and healthcare resource allocation. It is understand that, people often believe their health is influenced largely by smoking, diet and exercise. While these behaviors play a role, they often stem from broader conditions such as inadequate income, lack of education, inadequate or precarious employment and lack of social connections. Having a secure predictable job, affordable housing, food on the table, and a neighborhood where one feels safe and a sense of belonging all have powerful positive impacts on health -from childhood on (AHS, 2021).

Resources


Alberta Health Services. (2021). About healthy communities. Retrieved October 16, 2021, from What Determines Health? - About Healthy Communities - Home - Alberta Healthy Communities Hub (healthiertogether.ca)


Government of Prince Edward Island. (2016). Chief public health officer report. Retrieved October 16, 2021, from About the Chief Public Health Officer's Report 2016 | Government of Prince Edward Island


Population of Alberta. (2021). Population statistics. Retrieved October 15, 2021, from www.alberta.ca/population-statistics.aspx


Population of Prince Edward Island. (2021). Population search. Retrieved October 15, 2021, from Search - Prince Edward Island Population (bing.com)

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