Just like vaccines and condoms, sunscreen should be freely and conveniently available. My fourteenth Advent Policy Brief insists that sunscreen be more seriously considered as a preventative public health measure. Only 30-40% of us wear sunscreen on a regular basis; let's try to double that number.
Any level of government could take a leadership role procuring and distributing sunscreen, but presumably the federal government would make a bulk acquisition and stock beaches, community centres, and schools. In addition to distribution by hub, there ought to be an online request-by-mail option.
Second, I implore provincial governments to write occupational health and safety regulations that require sunscreen be provided by the employer and used by employees working jobs with significant sun exposure. Lack of access or employer negligence should never be the reason the sun incinerates a layer of your skin.
Most parts of Canada are projected to get hotter as carbon dioxide (and later methane) warm the atmosphere. Warmer temperatures mean more shorts and tank tops. Entrenching diligent sunscreen use into our routines and cultures can prevent skin cancers and their treatment expenses.
No one is too cool for sunscreen.
