This report by York University health researchers considers 14 social determinants of health and outlines why they are important, how Canada is doing in addressing them, and what can be done to improve their quality. The purpose of the report is to promote greater awareness of the social determinants of health and the development and implementation of public policies that improve their quality.
In this article from the September issue of
Doctors Nova Scotia, Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Public Health Officer and Nova Scotia's Department of Health Promotion and Protection, discusses the importance of comprehensive prevention strategies based on public health principles and experience.
Gambling This New Zealand article provides an overview on the nature and importance of public health approaches to the global expansion of commercial gambling. It concludes that efforts in developing treatment responses to problem gambling need to be balanced with, at least, equal efforts in developing public health responses.
Gambling as a Public Health Issue This paper by David Marshall, University of Queensland, discusses gambling as a public health concern and argues that gambling-related problems are determined almost entirely by the circumstances in which the activity is occurring. As a result, strategies designed to prevent or minimize gambling-related problems should target the local contextual environment as well as the individual experiencing problem gambling.
Harm Prevention and Minimization Policy
This site provides an overview of the ways in which members of the New Zealand Community Trust have worked to produce a policy intended to provide a responsible gaming environment and to prevent problem gambling to the greatest extent possible.
Public Policy Implications of Gambling Research: Conference Summary
This conference summary describes the reluctance of politicians to discuss gambling problems, and the subsequent lack of government responsibility in addressing the issue of problem gambling. The article highlights various significant observations and problem areas regarding gambling in Canada, along with numerous implications for action. Authors argue for the need for policies to protect those who gamble and stress the necessity for various means of government action.
Internet Gambling: Trends and Issues and Crime and Criminal Justice
This article argues that while online gambling poses several risks inherent to all forms of gambling, additional unique dangers are also evident. Such hazards include the fact that an online casino operating from the other side of the world may not be legitimate, enabling operators to take participants’ money. Other issues concern the individual’s credit card number confidentiality and accessibility to minors. (See also: Resource Library - Internet Gambling)
First Nations Gambling Policy in Canada
Advocates for on-reserve gambling contend that revenues and employment opportunities represent positive outcomes capable of increasing political and economic sovereignty- referring to the success of the American Indian casinos arguments. However, the scope of benefits is dependent upon a number of factors including the impacts of problem gambling. Policies in Canada must ensure the expansion of casinos on First Nation reserves must be done in a sustainable manner. (See also: Resource Library - Cross Cultural Issues in Gambling)
