Concerted Action Needed To Set Children On A Healthy Path
Although children in Canada are among the world's healthiest, there are "worrying trends" that require concerted action, particularly for sub-populations such as low-income families, Aboriginal peoples, and children with disabilities, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer finds in his newly released report on the state of public health in Canada.

Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's first Chief Public Health Officer, released his second report on the state of public health in Canada, focusing on childhood as a "critical stage that most strongly impact[s] the rest of our lives, and where the greatest opportunity for positive influence lies."

His “Report on the State of Public Health in Canada 2009: Growing Up Well - Priorities for a Healthy Future," highlights six issues of persistent or worsening concern: socio-economic status, abuse and neglect, prenatal risk, mental health and disorders, obesity, and unintentional injuries.

Although the report targets all children in Canada, Butler-Jones consistently draws attention to indicators where Aboriginal children fare worse than the general population, and finds that "inequalities are evident even at the earliest stages of life, particularly among children who are Aboriginal, who have disabilities or who are part of families with low income."

The health officer said Canada "may fail these children" without concerted action.

Butler-Jones sought advice and guidance in the writing of his 2009 report from leading experts in Aboriginal health and half a dozen Aboriginal organizations, including the Centre for Aboriginal Health Research at the University of Victoria, Assembly of First Nations,  First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, National Aboriginal Health Organization and the Native Women's Association of Canada. 

The Chief Public Health Officer's first report, in 2008, highlighted social and economic inequalities as contributors to health inequalities.