Canada ranks poorly when it comes to the health of children and adolescents, says the Canadian Paediatric Society. In a report entitled Are we doing enough? published this morning, the group considers the measures the country’s hard stance on the matter.

The report highlights among other things that Canada has failed to act to reduce poverty. Of the 30 richest countries in the world, Canada is ranked 20th in terms of child poverty. Some 639 000 children live below the poverty line, including many natives. Because a young native in four lives in poverty, the government must do more to help, says the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Mental health problems

In its report, the group also stressed that access to psychiatric care is woefully inadequate in the country, while 14% of Canadians under age 20 have a mental health problem. Several studies have however shown that early intervention in these cases is less expensive and more effective than treatment.

The shortage of pediatricians is glaring across the country, particularly in rural areas. This shortage deprives children of an appropriate medical, deplores the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Although many elements need to be improved, Canada is still a good figure in terms of immunization coverage of children, screening for hearing problems in newborns and the fight against smoking.

Compared to other provinces, Quebec, however, must do more to protect young people against tobacco.