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Exploring Religion and Diversity in Canada pp 107–134Cite as

Religious Diversity, Health and Healthcare in Canada

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Abstract

Is religion still a factor in how Canadians understand and experience health? And if yes, how? This chapter will examine religious diversity as it relates to health and healthcare, and will include a consideration of individual experiences of health and well-being, healthcare workers and institutions, and population health. Particular attention will be paid to the ways that religious groups and individuals have played a formative role in building the Canadian healthcare system, as well as hospitals and medical schools. I will document the ways that recent shifts in immigration have raised new issues for healthcare institutions and workers by opening up new debates around the meaning of health, and in particular raising questions around religious healthcare considerations for patients. The chapter concludes with an exploration of current pressing public health issues in Canada as tied to religious diversity and suggestions for further study and research.

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  1. Douglas College, New Westminster, BC, Canada

    Lisa Smith

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  1. Lisa Smith
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  1. Sociology Department, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

    Catherine Holtmann

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Smith, L. (2018). Religious Diversity, Health and Healthcare in Canada. In: Holtmann, C. (eds) Exploring Religion and Diversity in Canada. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78232-4_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78232-4_6

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