Environics Research and Pink Triangle Press Recognized
Environics Research and Pink Triangle Press have been awarded the Canadian Research Insights Council (CRIC) Social Service Impact Award for the 2025 Pink Paper on Health, a groundbreaking national study exploring the health and healthcare experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ people across Canada.
The award recognizes research that delivers meaningful public service and social impact through evidence-based insights. The Pink Paper on Health was recognized for helping address a significant gap in Canadian health research by creating one of the most comprehensive national evidence bases on 2SLGBTQIA+ health disparities ever conducted in Canada.
About the Research
Conducted by Environics Research on behalf of Pink Triangle Press, the study combined a national bilingual survey of more than 2,100 Canadians, including over 1,000 respondents who identified as 2SLGBTQIA+, with in-depth interviews among healthcare leaders, clinicians, researchers, medical students, and Indigenous stakeholders.
The research examined health status, access to care, experiences of stigma and discrimination within healthcare settings, and the health priorities identified by 2SLGBTQIA+ communities themselves. Importantly, the study also explored the diversity of experiences within the community, recognizing that health outcomes and challenges can vary significantly across different identities and lived experiences.
As a queer person, being part of a project that helps build a stronger evidence base around 2SLGBTQIA+ health in Canada has been incredibly rewarding — and receiving this award during Pride Month makes it even more special. I’m grateful to the Pink Triangle Press team for their vision and partnership, and proud that our research can help support advocacy, public dialogue, and real-world change.
Vijay Wadhawan
Senior VP, Health & Wellness at Environics Research
The Impact
The findings have helped shape public conversation around 2SLGBTQIA+ health in Canada and provided a credible evidence base for advocacy, education, and decision-making.
The report has informed editorial priorities for Script, Pink Triangle Press’s health information platform, while also generating extensive national media coverage. By bringing greater visibility to the healthcare experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians, the research has helped elevate conversations about health equity and access to care during a period of growing public and policy interest.
The project demonstrates how rigorous, community-informed research can support systems change and create practical tools for organizations working to improve health outcomes.
Key Findings
The study uncovered significant disparities between 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians and the broader population, including:
- Lower self-reported mental health and overall wellbeing among many 2SLGBTQIA+ respondents.
- Higher rates of unmet healthcare needs and barriers to accessing appropriate care.
- Continued experiences of stigma, discrimination, and discomfort within healthcare settings.
- Strong demand for more inclusive healthcare services, provider education, and culturally competent care.
At the same time, the research highlighted the resilience of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and identified opportunities for healthcare systems, policymakers, and practitioners to better support positive health outcomes.
Universal healthcare is central to what defines Canada. Environics’ research insights for the Pink Paper on Health serve as both a wake-up call and opportunity.
David Walberg
CEO and Executive Director of Pink Triangle Press
About Pink Triangle Press
Pink Triangle Press is one of the world’s longest-running 2SLGBTQIA+ media organizations. Through journalism, advocacy, and community-focused content, the organization works to inform, connect, and support queer and trans communities across Canada. The Pink Paper on Health reflects Pink Triangle Press’s commitment to advancing credible, evidence-based conversations about health equity and wellbeing.
The CRIC Social Service Impact Award underscores the value of research that not only generates insight, but also contributes to a more informed, equitable, and inclusive society.
