Aboriginal peoples' health problems exceed Canadian averages As I speak about health determinants and the need for a population health approach you will be thinking about population groups in your own country. Here in Canada there are 6.5 million young people. The vast majority of whom are healthy. But you know Canadians have no reason to be complacent. Consider the aboriginal children of Canada.
Aboriginal peoples are amongst the most socially and economically disadvantaged in our country.
Their health problems and those of their children exceed Canadian averages in most areas. Although there has been much improvement in recent years, infant death rates, death rates from injuries and suicides remain higher among aboriginal peoples than the national average. In Canada there are also children who are at risk because they experience neglect or abuse and poor living conditions. Other groups include youth who are having difficulty making the transition to adulthood and a number of them experience depression, abuse alcohol and drugs or even turn to crime. By focusing on health determinants we are developing national health strategies to improve all aspects of children's physical and mental health.