Canada's Report on HIV/AIDS 2004

Previous | Table of Contents | Next

Message from the Ministers

World AIDS Day is an opportunity to reflect on HIV/AIDS and its tragic consequences. Although some Canadians see the epidemic as a distant problem affecting only other parts of the world, it is very much a part of our communities as well. As reflected in this year's UNAIDS World AIDS Day theme, women and girls are increasingly affected by HIV and AIDS. In Canada, HIV also continues to spread among gay men, injection drug users, Aboriginal people, street youth, prison inmates and individuals from HIV-endemic countries. HIV/AIDS affects us all.

We share the concern of many Canadians about this growing and changing epidemic. At the same time, we are heartened by Canada's response, particularly at the community level, where hundreds of organizations and thousands of staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to combat HIV/AIDS. These individuals and organizations embody the values of Canadian society, including our care and concern for those less fortunate, and remain essential to our efforts to get ahead of the epidemic.

The past year has been a time of significant reflection and dialogue. Stakeholders from across the country have been taking part in discussions about Leading Together, An HIV/AIDS Action Plan for All Canada, which will guide Canada's HIV/AIDS activities until 2010. At the same time, officials have been working on a renewed federal framework that will identify how the Government of Canada can continue to contribute to HIV/AIDS policies and programs, both here and abroad. The announcement in May 2004 of a doubling of federal funding over the next five years shows that our government is deeply committed to broadening and strengthening its role.

More changes are on the horizon as the federal government and its many partners sharpen their collective response to HIV/AIDS. The creation of the Public Health Agency of Canada, which was launched by Prime Minister Paul Martin on September 24, 2004, provides an opportunity to build a stronger, more coordinated approach to HIV/AIDS and other public health issues.

In the meantime, Strategic Approaches: Renewing the Response provides a snapshot of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and Canada's response to it over the past 12 to 18 months. It describes many examples of collaboration and identifies key future challenges and opportunities. Although the situation remains serious in Canada, over the past 20 years a solid foundation has been laid through the efforts of countless dedicated individuals, organizations and governments. There is reason to hope that there will one day be a cure for this disease. For people everywhere, that day cannot come too soon.

We encourage Canadians to show their support by wearing a red ribbon on December 1, World AIDS Day 2004.

Ujjal Dosanjh Minister of Health	Dr. Carolyn Bennett Minister of State (Public Health)
November 2004

 

Previous | Table of Contents | Next