Wealth inequality, health and health equity is one in a series of ongoing think pieces from Wellesley Institute that aim to stimulate ideas and new conversations to create a fairer and healthier tomorrow.

Canadians are struggling with the rising cost of living. A national survey in November 2023 showed 46 per cent report of people are behind financially due to the cost of essential items, like food. Despite some signs that inflation is decreasing, uncertainty remains. Moreover, the significantly elevated cost of essential items (e.g., food, housing) since before the pandemic is not expected to change any time soon, and average wages have risen at a much lower rate than living costs.

Discussions of the economic drivers of rising inequality stimulate questions about the relationship between wealth, wealth distribution and health. This Think Piece offers a preliminary examination of why wealth inequality matters for health and some potential directions for work on wealth, health and social equity.